THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 

ENDOWED  BY 

JOHN  SPRUNT  HILL 
CLASS  OF  1889 


^M 


C286 
B62h 


LibrArvc? 
C.  E.  BAUCOM 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


00043155897 

FOR  USE  ONLY  IN 
THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  COLLECTION 


-ro  No.  A-36i 


A  HISTORY 

or 

Tlie  BroAvii  Creek  Union 
Baptist  Association 

1854-1918 


BLACK 
BIVENS 
PRESLAR 


Press  of 

Marrhall  &  Bruce  Company 

Nashville,  Tenn. 

1019 


Copyhight,  1919 

Charles  J.  Black 

Wingate,  N.  C. 


--Ih 


INDEX 

Chapter.                                                                                                Page. 
I.     Baptist    Beginnings    in   this    Section 7 

II.     Organization  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association 15 

III.     First  Anniversary  of  the  Brown  Creek  at  Monroe 42 

IV.     Sessions    of    1856-1860 52 

V-     Sessions   of   1861-1865 — the   Bloody   Period 80 

VI.     Sessions   of   1865-1894.      Reconstruction    Period 94 

VII.     Name  Changed,  New  Things  Undertaken 142 

VIII.     New  Era  Begun.     The  Wingate  School 160 

IX.     The   W.   M.   Union J 199 

X.     History  of  The  Wingate   School 218 

XI.     Sketches  of   Churches  in  this  Association 230 

XII.     Lives  of  the  Preachers  of  this  Association 275 

(3) 


THE  BAPTISM   OF  JESUS.  MARK    1:3.10. 


PREFACE 

The  minds  of  the  brethren  have  been  desiring  a  history  of 
the  Union  Association  for  some  time.  At  the  session  of  1917, 
Rev.  A.  C.  Davis  was  appointed  to  write  it,  but  not  having  the 
data,  he  could  not  comply  with  the  request  of  the  association. 
A  motion  was  made  at  the  session  of  1918  to  appoint  a  committee 
to  write  this  history;  accordingly  the  Moderator  appointed  Revs. 
J.  A.  Bivens,  M.  D.  L.  Preslar,  and  C.  J.  Black  to  write  the  his- 
tory of  the  association,  and  Brother  J.  W.  Bivens  to  write  the 
history  of  the  Wingate  School.  All  of  the  committee  accepted 
and  went  to  work  at  once  to  carry  out  the  plans  of  the  associa- 
tion. The  first  thing  we  tried  to  do  was  to  get  a  file  of  the  min- 
utes of  the  association  from  its  organization  in  1854  until  the 
present  time.  This  we  failed  to  do.  We  found  the  most  of  them, 
but  some  we  could  not  find.  The  next  thing  was  to  get  a  sketch 
of  the  lives  of  all  of  the  preachers  who  have  labored  in  this 
association.  This  we  could  not  do.  We  have  the  most  of  them, 
but  some  of  them  we  could  not  get.  We  are  sorry  that  we  cannot 
name  all  of  them  with  the  interesting  facts  in  their  lives,  espe- 
cially Elders  Solomon  Snider,  Philip  Snider,  J.  T.  Copeland, 
Jesse  Lewallyn,  S.  P.  Morton,  G.  W.  Harmon,  T.  J.  Taylor,  and 
John  Bennette.  The  third  thing  we  desired  was -to  give  a  sketch 
of  all  of  the  churches  that  had  belonged  to  this  body  at  any  time. 
This  we  could  not  do.  We  have  the  most  of  them,  but  some  of 
the  pastors  would  not  cooperate  with  us  in  this  work,  and  we 
could  not  secure  the  sketches.  If  the  history  of  your  church  is 
left  out,  blame  it  on  your  clerk,  or  the  pastor.  We  did  what  we 
could.  Brother  Preslar  wrote  to  several  of  the  churches,  we  put 
notices  in  the  Monroe  papers,  Ave  talked  the  thing  all  we  could, 
but  to  no  avail  on  the  part  of  some. 

Now,  the  work  is  completed.  We  have  done  the  best  we  could 
under  the  circumstances.  We  trust  that  the  association  may 
appreciate  all  we  have  done.  It  has  been  a  labor  of  love,  and 
we  send  it  forth  to  bless  the  cause  for  ages  to  come. 

Fraternally, 

Your  servants, 

J.   A.   BivEXS, 

M.    D.    L.   Preslar, 

C.    J.    Black. 

^5) 


CHAPTER  I. 

Whence  Came  the  Baptist  of  This  Section  of 
North  Carolina? 

We  deem  it  very  important  that  we  show  just  where  the 
Pioneer  Baptist  of  this  country  came  from.  If  it  is  not 
essential  to  the  makeup  of  this  history,  it  is  very  interest- 
ing reading  matter,  especiahy  to  those  w^ho  want  to  know 
all  about  our  denomination.  We  cannot  give  as  much 
space  to  this  subject  as  we  wish,  but  will  give  as  little 
as  we  can  to  make  the  matter  clear  to  the  earnest  reader. 

The  first  Baptist  of  this  section  came  from  two  points, 
the  Old  Welsh  Neck  section  in  South  Carolina  and  the 
Old  Sandy  Creek  section  in  Chatham  county.  In  show- 
ing just  how  they  came  from  these  two  sections,  we  must 
first  sihow  what  these  sections  were,  and  whence  they 
came.  By  doing  this  we  establish  a  very  important  his- 
torical fact:  The  Baptist  of  this  section  came  directly  from 
the  efforts  of  the  early  Christian  workers  of  Wales  and 
England.  We  will  give  an  account  of  the  Sandy  Creek 
Baptist  first.  This  church  was  organized  November  22, 
1755,  under  the  care  of  Elder  Shubael  Stearnes.  He  with 
his  wife,  Peter  Stearnes  and  wife,  Ebenezer  Stearnes  and 
wife,  Shubael  Stearnes,  Jr.,  and  his  wife,  Daniel  Marshall 
and  wife,  Joseph  Breed  and  wife,  Enos  Stimpson  and  wife, 
and  Jonathan  Polk  and  wife  formed  this  church.  They 
came  here  from  Connecticut,  where  they  had  been  bap- 
tized into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  of  which  Elder  Wait 
Palmer  was  pastor.    Elder  Shubael  Stearnes  was  the  propa- 

(7) 


8  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

gator  of  this  movement.  He  was  converted  to  the  Baptist 
faith  in  Connecticut  while  the  controvers}'  between  the 
Baptists  and  Presbyterians  was  so  hot,  and  when  lie  came 
into  the  new  kingdom  he  began  to  discuss  the  question  of 
baptism  so  seriously  that  he  went  to  reading,  and  the 
results  were,  as  they  always  are  when  a  man  leaves  the 
Bible  to  settle  the  question,  immersion,  and  nothing  but 
immersion.  Accordingly  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  Wait 
Palmer  at  Toland,  Conn.,  in  1751.  On  the  20th  of  May 
in  the  same  year  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  Wait  Palmer  was  baptized  by  Elder  Val- 
entine Wightman,  whose  father  came  from  England,  and 
was  a  Baptist  before  he  came.  The  English  Baptists  came 
from  Wales,  so  we  have  the  chain  of  title  to  this  claim. 
If  you  are  interested  enough  in  this  subject  to  read  further, 
see  Backus'  History  of  Xew  England  Baptists,  vol.  H,  Con- 
necticut Baptist.  The  Elder  Wightman  who  baptized  Pal- 
mer was  a  noted  man.  He  was  a  descendant  of  the  Elder 
Edward  Wightman  who  was  bufned  at  Lichfield,  England, 
in  1612.  He  it  was  who  introduced  singing  in  his  church 
in  this  country,  and  wrote  a  pamphlet  defending  it. 

We  come  now  to  notice  the  church  organized  by  Elder 
Stearnes  at  Sandy  Creek.  It  was  in  a  community  that  had 
never  seen  or  known  anything  about  an  experimental  reli- 
gion. It  had  known  nothing  but  Episcopalianism,  and  the 
clergy  of  that  denomination  in  that  section  were  ungodly 
men.  They  drank,  they  swore,  they  run  horse  races,  they 
gambled,  so  when  this  new  doctrine  was  first  preached  to 
them  it  seemed  like  a  bolt  from  a  clear  sky.  However 
strange  it  may  have  seemed,  it  was  not  long  in  gaining  a 
foothold,  and  within  a  verv  short  time  the  church  which 


Union  Baptist  Association.  9 

began  with  sixteen  members  had  grown  to  six  hundred 
and  six.  But  it  did  not  stop  at  this ;  many  other  churches 
were  formed  out  of  this  one.  The  number  soon  became  so 
great  that,  in  1758,  Stearnes  thought  it  advisable  to  organ- 
ize an  association,  which  he  did.  The  first  session  of  which 
met  with  the  mother  church. 

From  the  beginning  we  can  see  that  this  body  was  thor- 
oughly missionary.  Stearnes  was  a  missionary  himself,  and 
was  greatly  aided  in  this  great  work  by  his  brother-in-law, 
Daniel  2\Iarshall.  He  was,  if  possible,  more  earnest  in  the 
work  than  Stearnes.  He  went  all  through  North  Carolina, 
South  Carolina,  and  some  parts  of  Georgia.  Little  River 
church  in  Montgomery  county  was  an  arm  of  this  church 
at  Sandy  Creek.  Old  Rocky  River  in  Anson  was  an  arm 
of  Little  River,  and  Brown  Creek,  with  nearly  all  of  the 
churches  up  and  down  the  Rocky  River,  are  the  outgrowth 
of  the  church  first  built  in  Chatham  county.  Originally  all 
of  these  churches  were  missionary.  This  is  seen  by  the 
old  records,  and  from  Backus'  account  of  the  churches 
they  originated  from  in  New  England.  In  speaking  of  the 
first  church  organized  in  Connecticut,  which  was  at  Groton, 
he  says  this  about  Elder  John  Wightman,  who  was  ordained 
as  an  evangelist  by  the  above-mentioned  church  June  15, 
1774.  He  traveled  and  preached  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  Again,  he  says  that  this  church  enjoyed  a  gra- 
cious revival  of  religion  in  1774,  which  caused  an  addition 
of  thirty  members.  The  same  spirit  of  missions  and  revi- 
vals came  with  his  new  church  to  North  Carolina,  and  the 
work  in  Stanly,  Anson  and  the  upper  part  of  L'nion  is  the 
result  of  the  evangelistic  efforts  of  preachers  who  came  out 
of  this  church,  or  its  daughters.     If  there  had  been  no  mis- 


10  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

sionary  efforts  in  this  section  it  would  not  have  had  Bap- 
tist churches  in  it  as  it  has  today.  Nearly  all  of  the  old 
churches  had  members  in  them  who  came  out  of  Old  Rocky 
River,  or  some  of  the  churches  that  came  out  of  it. 

The  second  section  we  wish  to  mention  as  a  point  from 
which  Baptists  of  this  section  came  is  that  of  the 
Welsh  Neck,  near  Society  Hill,  in  South  Carolina.  Gregg, 
in  his  "History  of  the  Old  Cheraws,"  p.  46,  says  this  about 
the  beginning  of  this  settlement,  which  was  the  beginning 
of  the  church:  "In  the  Spring  of  1701  several  Baptists  in 
the  counties  of  Pembroke  and  Cairmathen  resolved  to  go 
to  America;  and  as  one  of  the  company,  Thomas  Griffith, 
was  a  minister,  they  were  advised  to  be  constituted  as  a 
church.  They  took  the  advice,  and  the  instrument  of  their 
confederation  was  in  being  in  1770,  but  is  now  lost  or  mis- 
laid. The  names  of  the  confederates  were  as  follows : 
Thomas  Griffith,  Griffith  Nicholas,  Evan  Edmond,  John 
Edward,  Elisha  Thomas,  Enoch  Morgan,  Richard  David, 
James  David.  Elizabeth  Griffith,  Lewis  Edmond,  Mary  John, 
Mary  Thomas,  ElizabeJ:h  Griffith,  Tennet  David,  Margaret 
Matthias,  Tennet  Morris.'  These  sixteen  persons,  which 
may  be  styled  a  Church  emigrant,  met  at  Milford  Haven, 
in  the  month  of  June,  1701,  embarked  on  board  a  ship, 
William  and  Mary,  and  on  the  8th  of  September  following 
landed  at  Philadelphia.  The  brethren  treated  them  cour- 
teously, and  advised  them  to  settle  about  Pennepec ;  thither 
they  went,  and  there  continued  about  a  year  and  a  half, 
during  which  time  their  church  increased  from  sixteen  to 
thirty-seven. 

But  finding  it  inconvenient  to  tarry  about  Pennepec, 
they,  in  1703,  took  up  land'  in  New  Castle  county  from 


Union  Baptist  Association,  11 

]ylessrs.  Evans,  Willis  and  Davis,  who  had  purchased  said 
Welch  Tract  from  William  Penn,  containing  upwards  of 
30.000  acres,  and  thither  removed  the  same  year,  and  built 
a  little  meeting-  house  on  the  spot  where  the  present  stands.. 
This  house  was  a  neat  brick  building-,  forty  by  thirty. 

The  Welch  Tract  was  first  in  the  province  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, afterwards,  upon  the  chang-e  of  boundaries,  in  the 
State  of  Delaware.  This  will  account  for  the  fact  that  the 
Welch  were  sometimes  spoken  of  as  having  come  from 
Pennsylvania,  at  other  times  from  Delaware. 

The  Welsh  settlers  did  not  seem  to  be  suited  in  their 
Delaware  honie,  so  they  must  have  sent  prospectors  South 
to  see  what  could  be  obtained.  The  only  thing  we  know 
about  this  is  that  two  men  petitioned  the  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernor of  South  Carolina  for  a  tract  of  land  lying  on  the 
Great  Pee  Dee  River  south  of  its  tributaries,  the  Yadkin 
and  the  Rocky.  The  Lieutenant  Governor  granted  these 
men  their  request,  and  a  tract  of  land  consisting  of  173,840 
acres  was  granted  them.  Soon  after  this  grant  was  ob- 
tained, which  was  in  the  year  of  1736,  November  16,  a  com- 
pany of  the  Welsh  settled  on  Catfish,  a  stream  in  what  is- 
now  known  as  Clarion  District,  in  the  tract  first  assigned 
them.  Among  these  early  settlers  were  Jenkin.  and  Owen 
David.  They  did  not  remain  here  very  long,  but  soon 
moved  farther  up  the  river  to  a  point  almost  opposite  the 
present  town  of  Society  Hill.  Here  they  located,  and  soon 
were  joined  by  many  others  from  the  Welsh  section  in  Dela- 
ware. By  the  latter  part  of  the  year  of  1737  most  of  the 
families  from  Delaware,  then  Pennsylvania,  had  arrived  at 
the  new  settlement.  So  the  community  took  the  shape  of 
a  permanent  settlement.     Immediately  following  this  the}" 


12  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

organized  the  Welsh  Neck  Baptist  church.  ^Gregg  has  this 
to  say  of  them,  p.  53:  "The  first-mentioned  company  (a 
company  consisting  of  thirty  (p.  52)  were.,  in  January,  1738, 
'organized  into  a  society  of  the  Baptist  faith,'  and  erected 
a  house  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  a  short  distance  above 
the  ferry."  Here  they  began  to  worship  as  their  fathers 
had  done  in  the  old  country.  From  this  point  they  began 
to  do  missionary  work,  and  it  was  not  many  years  before 
this  section  was  thoroughly  Baptist.  The  old  Charleston 
Association  was  still  south  of  this,  but  nearly  all  of  the 
churches  south  of  the  Seaboard  Railroad  belonged  to  it. 
But  the  most  of  them  came  either  directly  or  indirectly  out 
of  the  old  Welsh  Neck  church.  This  we  determined  by 
the  association  to  which  they , belonged.  Nearly  all  of  the 
churches  that  came  out  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Association  be- 
longed to  that  Association,  or  one  of  those  that  had  come 
out  of  it.  The  only  one  this  far  south  was  the  Pee  Dee. 
It  was  not  organized  until  1816,  so  the  most  of  them  be- 
longed to  the  original  association.  These  were  the  Old 
Rocky  River  and  its  arms. 

Now,  with  these  facts  before  us,  let  us  look  at  the  situa- 
tion just  a  little.  Since  all  of  the  churches  coming  out  of 
the  Sandy  Creek  movement  belonged  to  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association  and  many  other  churches  w^ere  in  this  section 
at  the  time,  but  belonged  to  the  Charleston  Association,  is 
it  not  fair  to  conclude  that  they  came  from  that  section? 
True,  some  of  these  churches  may  have  been  organized  by 
preachers  going  to  and  from  the  "Old  Charleston,"  but  the 
members  must  have  come  out  of  those  coming  directly  from 
Welsh  Neck  church.    One  of  these  was  Lanes  Creek,*  which 


*Lane's  Creek  came  out  of  U.  F.  Lynch's  Creek. — Wood  Fur- 
■man's  History  of  the  Charleston  Association. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  IS 

was  located  just  a  few  miles  from  the  State  line,  possibly 
two  miles  west  of  Philadelphia  Church.  It  was  organized 
in  1793.  The  deed  for  the  land  was  made  by  William 
Shepherd  in  1797,  and  was  made  while  Jesse  Lewellyn  was 
pastor,  from  what  we  gather  from  the  records  on  the  old 
books  at  Wadesboro,  N.  C.  This  church  belonged  to  the 
Charleston  Association,  and  remained  with  that  body  until 
the  ]\Ioriah  was  formed  in  1815.  We  are  sure  that  this 
church  was  of  the  stock  of  the  old  A\^elsh  Neck  Church. 
One  more  seems  to  prove  it  more  conclusively.  This  is  the 
old  Gourdvine  Church,  which  was  near  Olive  Branch,  just 
a  few  miles  to  the  west.  If  we  have  been  correctly  in- 
formed, it  was  near  the  Holly  school  house  on  the  road 
leading  to  Monroe.  This  church  was  organized  about  1800. 
We  have  not  been  able  to  get  the  exact  date  of  its  organi- 
zation, but  since  it  was  in  existence  in  1815,  and  had  been 
some  time  prior  to  this  date,  we  feel  sure  that  it  must  have 
been  organized  about  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury. Now,  this  church  never  belonged  to  the  Sandy 
Creek  Association,  but  was  a  member  of  the  Charleston 
Yet  it  was  much  nearer  the  first  mentioned.  We  are  sure 
that  it  was  the  outgrowth  of  the  Old  Welsh  Neck.  There 
was  Richardson's  Creek  and  Meadow  Branch.  Both  of 
these  were  members  of  the  Charleston  at  one  time.  The 
Meadow  Branch  church  partially  came  out  of  the  Gourd- 
vine,  hence  its  union  with  the  Charleston.  The  Moriah 
Association  was  organized  in  1815,  out  of  the  churches  that 
had  come  out  of  the  Welsh  Neck  Church  and  others  from 
the  Charleston  Association.  The  churches  tliat  went  into 
the  organization  were:  Beaver  Creek,  Flat  Rock,  U.  F. 
Lynch   Creek,   Fork   Hill,   Meadow   Branch,   Lanes   Creek,. 


14  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

Richardson's  Creek  and  Gourdvine,  also  Rocky  River.  Dan- 
iel Marshall  had  lived  at  Beaver  Creek,  and  must  have  done 
much  toward  starting  this  church,  but  the  most  of  them 
were  from  the  South  Carolina  side.  If  all  of  these  we  have 
mentioned  did  not  come  out  of  the  Welsh  Neck  church, 
or  some  of  its  arms,  they  were  descendants  from  the  Welsh 
Baptists  anyway.  The  Baptists  of  New  England  were  for 
the  most  part  from  Wales.  True,  some  of  them  came  from 
England  here,  but  how  came  Baptists  in  England?  Did 
thy  not  go  there  from  Wales?  Did  not  the  English  Bap- 
tists go  there  for  New  Testament  baptism? 

Now,  this  last  word:  the  Baptists  of  this  section  came 
either  from  the  Sandy  Creek  settlement  or  from  the  Welsh 
Neck  section.  They  both  had  the  Welsh  element  in  them. 
They  affiliated  as  one  body.  The.  Welsh  Baptist  claim  that 
they  are  the  offspring  of  Paul's  ministry.  This  takes  them 
back  to  the  date  of  A.  D.  63.  (See  Davis,  History  of  Welsh 
Baptist.)  We  conclude,  then,  that  the  Baptists  of  U^nion 
county  are  New  Testament  Baptists,  and  that  they  have  a 
divine  right  to  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  15 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Organization  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association. 

From  1815  until  1854  all  of  the  church,  or  nearly  all 
of  them  west  of  the  Pee  Dee  river,  belonged  to  the  Aloriah 
Association  in  South  Carolina.  This  made  it  quite  difficult 
for  the  delegates  to  attend,  and  as  the  country  became  more 
densly  populated,  and  Baptists  became  more  numerous, 
some  of  the  brethren  thought  it  advisable  to  organize 
another  association  of  the  churches  west  of  the  Pee  Dee, 
south  of  the  Rocky  River,  and  north  of  the  Moriah  Asso- 
ciation. To  make  it  plain,  it  was  to  be  organized  out  of 
the  churches  of  Xorth  Carolina  belonging  to  the  Moriah 
Association.  Accordingly,  a  meeting  was  held  at  JMount 
Olive  Church,  Anson  county,  in  the  autumn  of  1854.  We 
have  not  been  able  to  determine  the  month  and  day,  but 
since  the  association  has  met  in  October  from  its  first  ses- 
sion held  with  IMonroe  Church  in  1855,  we  feel  sure  that  it 
was  in  October,  1854,  that  the  above  mentioned  meeting 
was  held.  We  cannot  give  it  as  a  historical  fact,  but  think 
that  we  are  right  about  this.  At  this  time  there  was  a  large 
school  house  standing  across  the  road  in  front  of  the  church 
house  at  ]\Iount  Olive.  This  was  known  as  the  Wilson 
Chambers  School  House.  The  brethren  met  in  this  school 
house  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  the  new  association 
while  preaching  was  progressing  in  the  church  house.  The 
association  of  that  day  devoted  the  most  of  the  time  to 
preaching  anyway.  They  usually  had  about  two  or  three 
sermons  each  week  dav  and  about  four  or  five  on  Sunda\  s. 


16  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

The  organization  was  perfected  with  letters  from  three 
churches  only,  to-wit:  Mount  Olive,  Monroe,  and  Faulks. 
We  have  not  been  able  to  learn  who  the  moderator  was,* 
nor  who  the  first  clerk  was,  but  they  must  have  been  of 
some  ability,  since  they  got  out  such  a  complete  constitu- 
tion, rules  of  decorum,  and  articles  of  faith.  It  is  as  well 
prepared  matter  as  we  have  been  able  to  find  from  any 
section.  There  is  a  very  large  creek  running  in  a  north- 
easterly direction  across  this  section  of  the  country,  and  is 
known  all  over  this  section  of  the  state.  It  is  called  Brown 
Creek,  because  of  this,  and  because  a  church  had  already 
been  named  for  it,  these  brethren  named  the  association 
newly  formed  The  Brown  Creek.  We  wish  we  had  all  tlie 
matter  possible  about  this  first  meeting,  so  that  we  might 
be  able  to  tell  who  preached  in  the  house  while  the  associa- 
tion was  being  organized  in  the  school  house,  and  who  the 
delegates  from  the  three  churches  composing  this  Associa- 
tion in  its  beginning  were,  but  all  of  this  has  been  lost. 
We  have  a  minute  of  this  meeting,  but  the  first  five  pages 
are  gone.  If  we  are  able  to  locate  these  before  this  goes 
to  press  we  will  append  the  names  of  the  preachers  and 
delegates,  and  all  other  matter  we  may  be  able  to  find. 

To  make  this  a  complete  history  we  give  the  following 
from  the  first  minutes.  This  is  the  constitution  and  rules 
of  decorum  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association.  We  give  the 
articles  of  faith.  This  is  worth  preserving,  and  is  worth 
while  for  information. 

Constitution  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association. 

W^e,  the  Baptist  Churches  of  Christ,  composing  the 
Brown  Creek  Association,  having  been  received  and  bap- 

*It  is  supposed  to  have  been  Darlin"-  Rushing. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  17 

tized  upon  a  profession  of  our  faith  in  Christ,  are  convinced 
of  the  necessity  of  an  association  of  churches  in  order  to 
perpetuate  union  among  us,  and  thereby  maintain  a  corre- 
spondence with  each  other  and  other  associations  of  the 
same  faith  and  order,  agree  and  subscribe  to  the  follow- 
ing rules,  viz. : 

xA^RTiCLE  1.  The  Association  shall  be  composed  of  del- 
egates chosen  annually  by  each  Church  belonging  to  the 
Association ;  who,  before  taking  their  seats,  shall  be  re- 
quired to  present  certificates  of  appointment,  and  each 
Church  shall  be  entitled  to  three  representatives. 

Art.  2.  In  the  letters  from  the  different  churches  shall 
be  stated,  their  number  in  full  followship,  received  by  let- 
ter, dismissed  by  letter,  baptized,  excommunicated,  and 
dead,  during  the  last  Associational  year. 

Art.  3.  The  members  thus  chosen  and  convened  shall 
be  denominated  the  Brown  Creek  Association,  being  com- 
posed of  churches  between  the  Pee  Dee  and  Moriah  Bap- 
tist Association. 

Art  4.  The  Association,  when  convened,  shall  be  gov- 
erned by  a  proper  decorum. 

Art.  5.  The  Association  shall  have  a  Moderator  and 
Clerk,  who  shall  be  chosen  annually  by  the  members  pres- 
ent. 

Art.  6.  Any  Church  may  be  admitted  into  this  Asso- 
ciation by  petition,  and  delegates,  if  upon  examination  found 
to  be  of  the  same  faith  and  order,  shall  be  welcomed  to 
seats  by  the  Moderator,  extending  to  them  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship. 

Art  7.  All  queries  presented  to  this  Association  shall 
be  read  once,  after  which  a  vote  shall  be  taken  upon  the 

2 


18  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

propriety  of  debating  the  same,  and  if  a  majority  be  of 
opinion  that  the  said  queries  are  not  debatable  the  same 
shall  be  withdrawn. 

Art.  8.  Every  motion  when  made  and  seconded  shall 
be  considered  unless  withdrawn  by  the  mover. 

Art.  9.  We  deem  it  necessary  that  we  should  have  an 
Associational  fund  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  same, 
and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  each  church  to  make  vlountary 
contributions  for  this  purpose,  which  shall  be  forwarded  by 
the  delegates,  and  the  amount  thus  contributed  shall  be 
deposited  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  ac- 
countable to  the  Association  for  the  amount  thus  deposited, 
to  be  distributed  as  the  Association  may  direct. 

Art  10.  The  Minutes  of  the  Association  shall  be  read 
and  signed  by  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  before  the  adjourn- 
ment of  the  Association. 

Art.  11.  The  Association  shall  endeavor  to  furnish  the 
churches  with  the  Minutes  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Art.  12.  The  Association  shall  have  power  to  provide 
for  the  general  union  of  the  churches,  preserve  a  bond  of 
comm.union,  give  them  all  necessary  advice,  in  case  of  diffi- 
culty, and  enquire  into  the  cause  why  the  churches  fail  to 
represent  themselves  at  any  time  in  the  Association. 

Art.  13.  The  Association  may  appoint  members  to 
transact  such  business  as  they  may  think  proper,  and  may 
act  as  its  own  Itinerate  Board,  until  such  time  as  the  Asso- 
ciation shall  otherwise  direct. 

Art  14.  The  Association  shall  have  power  to  exclude 
any  Church  which  shall  violate  the  Rules  of  Association, 
or  deviate  from  the  orthodox  principles  of  religion. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  19 

Art.  15.  The  Association  may  invite  ministering  and 
other  brethren  who  may  be  present  to  seats  with  them  to 
aid  in  their  dehberations. 

Art.  16.  The  Association  shall  have  power  to  appoint 
the  time  and  place  where  the  succeeding-  Association  shall 
be  held. 

Art.  17.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  at  any  meet- 
ings a  majority  of  two-thirds  voting  in  the  affirmative. 

Rules  of  Decorum. 

1.  The  Association  shall  be  opened  and  closed  by  prayer. 

2.  But  one  person  shall  be  permitted  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  who  shall  arise  from  his  seat  and  respectfully 
address  the  Moderator. 

3.  The  person  speaking  shall  not  be  interrupted  unless 
he  is  infringing  upon  the  Rules  of  Decorum,  and  then  only 
by  the  Moderator. 

4.  The  members  while  speaking  shall  strictly  adhere  to 
the  subject,  and  not  reflect  or  make  any  remarks  calculated 
to  wound  or  injure  the  feelings  of  those  that  preceded  him. 

5.  No  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the  Associa- 
tion without  permission  of  the  Moderator. 

6.  No  person  shall  speak  more  than  twice  on  the  same 
subject  without  permission  of  the  Association  through  the 
Moderator. 

7.  No  member  shall  be  suffered  to  whisper  or  laugh 
during  the  debate. 

8.  No  member  shall  address  another  by  any  other  ap- 
pellation than  that  of  Brother. 

9.  The  names  of  niembers  shall  be  enrolled  by  the  Clerk 
and  called  over  as  often  as  the  Association  mav  reauire. 


20  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

10.  The  Moderator  shall  be  the  last  person- to  speak 
upon  the  subject  under  consideration,  previous  to  the  vote 
being-  taken,  and  shall  give  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  a  tie. 

11.  Any  member  who  shall  knowingly  and  wilfully 
violate  any  of  these  Rules  shall  be  subject  to  reproof,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Moderator. 

Declaration  of  Principles. 

The  Baptist  denomination  have  ever  maintained  that  the 
Word  of  God  is  the  only  standard  of  Christian  doctrine 
and  duty.  The  Confessions  of  Faith,  which,  from  time  to 
time,  have  been  put  forth  by  portions  of  the  demonimation, 
have  been  intended  merely  as  a  Declaration  of  Principles 
generally  received  among  them,  and  not  as  standards  of  their 
Faith.  To  the  Bible  they  have  ever  appealed,  as  the  only 
authoritative  rule  and  arbiter,  in  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice. Fully  persuaded  of  the  correctness  of  these  views, 
and  at  the  same  time  impressed  with  the  importance  of  hav- 
ing a  brief  summary  of  our  distinguishing  religious  senti- 
ment, that  our  true  position  may  be  known  and  understood, 
we  present  the  following  as  a  declaration  of  principles  of 
the  Brown  Creek  Baptist  Association : 

ARTICLE  1. 

Of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

The  Floly  Scriptures,  in  the  commonly  received  books 
of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  are  a  full  and  complete 
revelation  from  God  to  man,  touching  the  character  and 
will  of  the  former,  and  the  duties  and  destinies  of  the  lat- 
ter;   and  are  therefore  to  be  received  as  a  sufficient,  infal- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  21 

lible  and  authoritative  rule  in  all  matters  of  doctrine  and 
duty — of  faith  and  practice.  "All  Scripture  is  given  by 
inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  re- 
proof, for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness;  that 
the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto 
all  good  works."  2  Tim.  iii.,  16,  17.  "Thy  word  is  a  lamp 
unto  my  feet,  and  a  light  unto  my  path."  Psalms  cxix.  105. 
"To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony:  if  they  speak  not  accord- 
ing to  this  word  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them." 
Isaiah  viii.,  20.  "We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of 
prophecy ;  whereunto  ye  so  dwell  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto 
a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and 
the  day  star  arise  in  your  hearts."     2  Peter,  i.  19. 

ARTICLE  II. 

Of  God. 

Section  1.  There  is  but  one  living  and  true  God,  the 
Creator,  and  Preserver  of  all  things,  spiritual  and  incom- 
prehensible in  his  nature,  omnipotent,  omniscient,  wise,  just, 
true,  merciful,  unchangeable,  glorious  in  holiness,  and  eter- 
nal in  existence.  "Hear,  oh  Israel,  the  Lord  our  God  is  one 
Lord."  Deut.  vi.  4.  "In  the  beginning  God  created  the 
heaven  and  the  earth."  Gen.  i.  1.  "God  is  a  spirit."  John 
iv.  24.  "For  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth."  Rev. 
xix.  6.  "Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  spirit ;  or  whither 
shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence?"  Psalms  cxxxix.  7.  "Oh, 
the  depth  of  the  riches,  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge 
of,  God!  How  unsearchable  are  His  judgments  and  His 
ways  past  finding  out."  Rom.  xi.  33.  "A  God  of  truth  and 
without   iniquity,   just  and   right   is   he."      Deut.   xxxii.   4. 


22  HiSTORv  OF  THE  Brown  Crebk 

"'The  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long-  suf- 
fering and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth."  Exodus 
xxxiv.  6.  "I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not."  Mai.  iii.  6.  "Who 
is  like  thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing 
wonders?"  Exodus  xv.  11.  "Even  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting  thou  art  God."     Psalms  xc.  2. 

Sec.  2.  In  this  divine  and  most  glorious  being  there  is 
a  Trinity  of  Persons,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  of  the  same  essence,  and  equal  in  power  and  glory. 
"For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  Heaven,  the  Father, 
the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  these  three  are  one." 
1  John  V.  7.  "Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  "The  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all."  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  "But 
when  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I  will  send  unto  you 
from  the  Father,  even  the  spirit  of  truth,  which  proceedeth 
from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me."    John  xv.  26. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Of  the  Sovereignty  of  God. 

As  the  great  first  cause  of  all  things,  God  exercises  an 
absolute  sovereignty  over  the  universe.  He  sees  the  end 
from  the  beginning;  nothing  can  transpire  contrary  to  his 
foreknowledge  and  foreordination ;  His  decrees  and  pur- 
poses are  fixed  and  immutable,  and  will  be  fulfilled  in  every 
particular;  and  he  overrules  and  controls  all  events  to  the 
furtherance  of  His  glory  and  the  accomplishment  of  His 
designs.     "Declaring  the  end  from  the  beginning,  and  from 


Union  Baptist  Association.  23 

ancient  times  and  things  that  are  not  yet  done,  saying,  my 
counsel  shall  stand,  and  I  will  do  all  my  pleasure.''  Isaiah 
xlvi.  "Who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own 
will"?  Eph.  i.  "Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise 
thee ;  the  remainder  of  wa-ath  shalt  thou  restrain."  Psalms 
Ixxvi.  16.  "Him,  being  delivered  by  the  determined  counsel 
and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye  have  taken,  and  by  wicked 
hands  have  crucified  and  slain."  Acts  ii,  2Z.  "For  of  a 
truth  against  the  holy  child  Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  an- 
nointed,  both  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles 
and  the  people  of  Israel,  were  gathered  together,  for  to  do 
whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  counsel  determined  before  to 
be  done."    Acts  iv.,  27,  28. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Of  Creation  and  Providence. 

Section  1.  In  the  beginning  God,  for  purposes  of  His 
glory,  created  the  world,  and  all  things  that  are  therein, 
formed  man  from  the  dust  of  the  earth,  set  his  image  upon 
him,  and  placed  him  in  the  Garden  of  Eden,  in  a  state  of 
perfect  innocence  and  happiness.  "In  the  beginning  God 
created  the  heaven  and  the  earth."  Gen.  i.  1.  "For  by 
him  were  all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are 
in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones,  or 
dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers ;  all  things  were 
created  by  him  and  for  him."  Col.  1,  16.  "So  God  created 
man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God  created  he  him ; 
male  and  female  created  he  them."  Gen.  i.  27.  "Lo,  this 
only  have  I  found,  that  God  made  man  upright;  but  they 
have  sought  out  many  inventions."    Ecc.  vii.  29. 


24  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Sec.  2.  As  God  originally  created,  so  by  his  Providence 
he  sustains  and  preserves  all  things ;  exercises  a  general 
and  particular  care  over  his  creatures,  both  great  and  small ; 
and,  by  a  special  Providence,  watches  and  guides,  protects 
and  defends  them  that  are  his.  "Upholding  all  things  by 
the  word  of  his  power."  Heb.  i.  3.  "Are  not  two  sparrows 
sold  for  a  farthing?  and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall  to  the 
ground  without  your  Father.  But  the  very  hairs  of  your 
head  are  numbered.  Fear  ye  not  therefore ;  ye  are  of  more 
value  than  many  sparrows."  Matt.  x.  29,  30,  31.  "The  lot 
is  cast  into  the  lap;  but  the  whole  disposing  thereof  is  of 
the  Lord."  Pro.  xvi.  33.  "Except  the  Lord  keepeth  the 
city,  the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain.  Psalms  cxxvii.  1. 
"Ye  thought  evil  against  me  ;  but  God  meant  it  unto  good, 
to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  same  much  people 
alive."  Gen.  1.  20.  "And  we  know  that  all  things  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  called  according  to  his  purpose.""     Romans  viii.  28. 

ARTICLE  y. 
Of  the  Fall,  and  Depravity  of  Man. 

Section  1.  By  a  wilful  act  of  disobedience  in  the  gar- 
den of  Eden,  through  the  temptation  of  Satan,  our  first 
parents  fell  from  the  state  of  innocence  and  glory  in  which 
thev  had  been  created,  lost  the  favor  of  God,  were  brought 
under  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  made  themselves  liable  to 
the  penalty  of  temporal,  spiritual  and  eternal  death.  "And 
the  Lord  commanded  the  man,  saying,  of  every  tree  of  the 
garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat ;  but  of  the  tree  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  good  and  evil  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  for  in  the 
day  that  thou  eateth  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die."     Gen. 


Union  Baptist  Association,  25 

ii.  16,  17.  "And  the  man  said,  the  woman  thou  gavest  to  be 
with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat."  And  the 
Lord  God  said  unto  the  woman,  "What  is  this  thou  hast 
done?"  And  the  woman  said,  "The  serpent  beguiled  me, 
and  I  did  eat."     Gen.  iii.  12,  13. 

Sec.  2.  In  consequence  of  the  original  disobedience  of 
our  first  parents,  all  their  descendants  are  born  with  a  cor- 
rupt and  depraved  nature,  which  leads  to  sin,  and  conse- 
quently to  condemnation  and  death ;  and  they  must,  without 
the  intervention  of  sovereign  grace,  be  forever  banished 
from  the  presence  of  God,  and  the  glory  of  his  power. 
""Wherefore  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for 
that  all  have  sinned."  Rom.  v.  12.  "For  all  have  sinned 
and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God."  Rom.  iii.  23.  "Be- 
hold, I  was  shapen  in  iniquity;  and  in  sin  did  my  mother 
conceive  me."  Psalms  li.  5.  "There  is  none  that  doeth 
good,  no  not  one."  Psalms  liii.  3.  "The  soul  that  sinneth, 
it  shall  die."    Ezekiel  xviii.  4. 

ARTICLE  VI. 
Of  the  Work  of  Redemption. 
Section  1.  God,  in  sovereign  love,  has  opened  a  way 
through  the  mediation,  sufferings  and  death  of  his  Son, 
whereby  sin  may  be  pardoned,  its  condemnation  removed, 
the  sinner  accepted,  and  the  soul  redeemed;  so  that  God 
may  be  just  and  yet  justify  the  sinner  that  believeth  in 
Jesus ;  and  it  is  only  in  accordance  with  this  divine  scheme 
that  any  can  be  saved.  "For  God  so  loved  the  world  that 
he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosover  believeth  in 
him   should   not   perish,   but  have   everlasting  life."     John 


26  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

iii.  16.  "But  when  the  fuUness  of  time  was  come,  God 
sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law, 
to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons."  Gal.  iv.  4,  5,  "Forasmuch 
as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible 
things,  as  silver  and  gold,  but  with  the  precious  blood  of 
Christ."  1  Peter  i.  18,  19.  "Neither  is  there  salvation  in 
any  other ;  for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven, 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved."  Acts  iv.  12. 
"For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator  between  God  and 
men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus."     1  Tim.  ii.  5. 

Sec.  2.  In  accomplishing  this  mediatorial  work  it  was 
necessary  that  the  Divine  and  the  Human  nature  should  be 
united  in  the  person  of  the  Mediator.  In  the  Messiah  this 
mysterious  union  took  place — and  while  he  was  God  he  was 
also  man.  "Who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not 
robbery  to  be  equal  with  God;  but  made  himself  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  serpent,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men.  Phil.  ii.  -6,  7.  "And  the 
word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld 
his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father, 
full  of  grace  and  truth."  John  i.  14.  "For  in  him  dwell- 
eth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily."  Col.  ii.  9.  "God 
was  manifest  in  the  flesh,  justified  in  the  spirit,  seen  of 
angels,  preached  unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on  in  the  world, 
received  up  into  glory."     1  Tim.  iii.  16. 

ARTICLE  VII. 
Of  Predestination  and  Effectual  Calling. 
Section  1.     From  before  the  foundation  of  the  world 
God,  in  the  sovereignty  of  his  grace  and  love,  chose  and 


Union  Baptist  Association.  27 

predestinated  unto  eternal  life  those  who  in  the  covenant 
of  redemption  were  given  to  his  Son.  "According  as  he 
hath  chosen  us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
that  we  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in 
love:  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  chil- 
dren by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good 
pleasure  of  his  will."  Eph.  i.  4,  5.  "Who  hath  saved  us, 
and  called  us  with  an  holy  calling,  not  according  to  our 
works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which 
was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began."  2 
Tim.  i.  9.  "Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God 
the  Father,  through  sanctification  of  the  spirit,  unto  obe- 
dience, and  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ."  1 
Peter  i.  2.  "For  whom  he  did  foreknow,  he  also  did  pre- 
destinate, to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son,  that  he 
might  be  the  first  born  among  many  brethren."  Rom.  vii. 
29. 

Sec.  2.  Those  who  have  been  given  to  Christ  in  the 
covenant  of  redemption  are  efifectually  called  by  the  Word 
and  the  Spirit  of  God,  to  a  participation  in  the  blessings  of 
the  great  salvation.  "Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate, 
them  he  also  called."  Romans  viii.  30.  "Who  hath  saved 
us,  and  called  us  with  an  holy  calling."  2  Tim.  i.  9.  "That 
the  purpose  of  God  according  to  election  might  stand,  not 
of  works,  but  of  him  that  calleth."  Rom.  ix.  11.  "Thy 
people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power."  Psalms 
ex.  3. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Of  the  Freeness  of  the  Gospel. 
The  salvation  which  the  Gospel  provides  is  freely  of- 
fered to  the  children  of  me-n.     Its  invitations  are  alike  ex- 


'28  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

tended  to  all,  and  none  are  excluded  from  the  paTticipation 
in  its  benefits,  excepting  those  who  wilfully  reject  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  *  "Ho  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the 
waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money,  come  ye,  buy  and  eat; 
yea,  came,  buy  wine  and  milk,  without  money  and  without 
price."  Isaiah  Iv.  1.  "As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  I  have 
no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked;  but  that  the  wicked 
turn  from  his  way  and  live :  turn  ye,  turn  ye,  from  your 
evil  ways;  for  why  will  ye  die,  oh  house  of  Israel!"  Ez. 
xxxiii.  n.  "And  the  Spirit  and  Bride  say,  come.  And  let 
him  that  is  athirst  come :  and  whosoever  will  let  him  take 
the  water  of  life  freely."  Rev.  xxii.  17.  "And  ye  will  not 
■come  to  me,  that  ye  might  have  life."    John  v.  40. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Of  Justification  and  Adoption. 

Section  1.  The  righteousness  of  Christ  is  the  ground 
■of  our  justification.  This  righteousness  embraces  his  obe- 
dience and  sufferings — all  that  he  did,  and  all  that  he  en- 
din'ed ;  and  this,  as  a  whole,  being  received  by  faith,  con- 
stitutes the  ground  on  which  we  are  justified.  The  evidence 
of  justification  is  furnished  by  the  performance  of  good 
works.  "But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is 
made  unto  wisdom  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification, 
and  redemption."  1  Cor.  i.  30.  "In  his  days  Judah  shall 
be  saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely;  and  this  is  his  name 
whereby  he  shall  be  called,  the  Lord  our  Righteousness." 
Jere.  xxiii.  6.  "And  he  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteousness  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through 
the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by 


Union  Baptist  Association,  29' 

faith."  Phil.  iii.  9.  "For  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
righteousness,  to  every  one  that  believeth."  Rom.  x.  4. 
"For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin ; 
that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him." 
2  Cor.  V.  21.  "Xow  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward  not 
reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that  worketh 
not,  but  believeth  on  him  that  justifieth  the  ungodly,  his 
faith  is  counted  for  righteousness."    Rom.  iv.  4,  5. 

Sec.  2.  Those  who  are  justified  by  the  grace  of  God 
become  his  children  by  adoption,  have  his  name  written  upon 
them,  are  permitted  to  call  him  Father,  and  enjoy  the  liber- 
ties and  privileges  of  the  children  of  God.  "Having  pre- 
destinated us  unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ 
to  himself."  Eph.  i.  5.  "Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of 
God."  1  John  iii.  2.  "For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit 
of  bondage  again  to  fear,  but  ye  have  received  the  spirit  of 
adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father."  Romans  viii.  15.. 

ARTICLE  X. 

Of  Regeneration. 

Regeneration  is  that  inward  change  which  the  sinner 
experiences  when  he  passes  into  a  state  of  grace.  It  can  be 
effected  only  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  It  consists  in  a  com- 
plete and  thorough  renewal  of  all  the  dispositions  and  affec- 
tions of  the  soul :  and  without  it  no  sinner  can  enter  into 
the  Kingdom  of  heaven.  "Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee, 
except  a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  Kingdom 
of  God."  John  iii.  3.  "Not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved 
us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the 


30  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Holy  Ghost."  Titus  iii.  5.  "Therefore  if  any  man  be  in 
Christ  Jesus,  he  is  a  new  creature;  old  things  are  passed 
away;  behold  all  things  are  become  new."  2  Cor.  v.  17. 
"Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the 
flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God."    John  i.  13. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

On  Repentance. 

Repentance  unto  life  is  a  goodly  sorrow  for  sin,  wrought 
in  the  soul  by  the  Spirit  of  God^  and  leading  to  a  change 
of  life,  the  abandonment  of  sin  and  the  pursuit  of  holiness. 
And  this  is  a  duty  God  imperatively  requires  of  all  man- 
kind. "For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  salvation 
not  to  be  repented  of."  2  Cor.  vii.  10.  "They  shall  come 
with  weeping  and  with  supplications  will  I  lead  them;  I 
will  cause  them  to  walk*  in  a  straight  way,  wherein  they 
shall  not  stumble."  Jeremiah  xxxi.  9.  "But  they  that  es- 
cape of  them  shall  escape,  and  shall  be  on  the  mountains 
like  doves  of  the  valleys,  all  of  them  mourning,  every  one 
for  his  iniquity."  Eze.  vii.  16.  "And  the  times  of  this  ig- 
norance God  winked  at,  but  now  commandeth  all  men  every- 
where to  repent."  Acts  xvii.  30.  "But  except  ye  repent 
ye  shall  all  likewise  perish."    Luke  xiii.  3. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

Of  Faith. 

Faith  is  that  exercise  of  the  heart  (the  understanding 
and  the  will  fully  consenting  thereto)  by  which  the  sinner 
joyfully  receives  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;   and  rests  upon 


Union  Baptist  Association.  31 

him  for  pardon,  sanctification,  and  eternal  life.  The  right- 
eousness of  Christ  is  the  foundation  of  our  hopes ;  by  faith 
we  lay  hold  of  that  righteousness,  and  appropriate  to  our- 
selves the  consolations  and  promises  of  the  gospel.  "For 
by  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith,  and  that  not  of  your- 
selves, it  is  the  gift  of  God."  Eph.  ii.  8.  "Therefore  being 
justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ."  Romans  v.  1.  "For  Christ  is  the  end 
of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  believeth." 
Romans  x.  4.  "For  with  the  heart  man  believeth  unto 
righteousness."  Romans  x.  10.  "Because  God  hath  from 
the  -beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation,  through  sanctifica- 
tion of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth."  2  Thes.  ii.  13. 
"He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life."  John 
iii.  39. 

ARTICLE  Xin. 

Of  Good  Works. 

While  salvation  is  all  of  grace,  and  is  apprehended  only 
by  faith,  good  works  are  also  essential  to  the  Christian  char- 
acter. Performed  in  obedience  to  God's  commandments, 
and  fulfilling  his  decrees,  they  are  the  fruits  and  the  evi- 
dences of  a  living  faith.  They  are  necessary,  not  as  consti- 
tuting the  cause  of  justification,  but  its  effects.  They  do 
not  make  us  Christians,  but  they  prove  us  so.  "For  we 
are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained,  that  we  should 
walk  in  them."  Eph.  ii.  10.  "Who  gave  himself  for  us, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto 
himself  a  peculiar  people  zealous  of  good  works."  Titus 
ii.  14.     "This  is  a  faithful  saving,  and  these  things  I  will 


32  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

that  thou  affirm  constantly,  that  they  which  have  believed 
in  God  might  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works."  Titus 
iii.  8.  "Show  me  thy  faith  without  works,  and  I  will  show 
thee  my  faith  by  my  works."  James  ii.  18.  "For  as  the 
body  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  without  works  is 
dead  also."  James  ii.  26.  "Wherefore  by  their  fruits  ye 
shall  know  them."     Matt.  vii.  20. 


ARTICLE  XIV. 

Of  Sanctification. 

Those  who  are  vmited  to  Christ  in  the  exercise  of  faith 
are  being  sanctified  b}^  the  Spirit  and  the  word  of  God. 
Although  still  infirm  and  imperfect,  they  are  advancing  in 
the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  strengthening  in 
spiritual  graces,  and  progressing  in  the  practice  of  that  holi- 
ness without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  "Sanctify 
them  through  thy  truth;  thy  word  is  truth."  John  xvii.  17. 
"Because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  sal- 
vation, through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of 
the  truth."  2  Thes.  ii.  13.  "Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even 
as  your  father  which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect."  Matt.  v.  48. 
"And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly;  and  I 
pray  God  your  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body  preserved 
blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  1 
Thes.  V.  23.  "Having  therefore  these  promises,  dearly  be- 
loved, let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh 
and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God."  2  Cor. 
vii.  1. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  33 

ARTICLE  XV. 
Of   Final   Perseverance. 

Those  who  are  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  and  have  re- 
ceived the  remission  of  their  sins  through  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  shall  persevere,  by  grace,  unto  eternal  life. 
And  if  any  who  have  professed  the  Christian  name  return 
to  their  sins  and  perish  in  them,  it  is  not  because  they  have 
fallen  froiri  grace,  but  because  they  never  knew  that  grace 
in  its  regenerating  and  saving  power.  "Being  confident  of 
this  very  thing,  that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in 
you,  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ."  Phil, 
i.  6.  "Nevertheless,  the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure, 
having  this  seal,  the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his."  2 
Tim.  ii.  19.  "And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life ;  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  them  out  of  my 
hand."  John  x.  28.  "They  went  out  from  us,  but  they 
were  not  of  us;  for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no 
doubt  have  continued  with  us ;  but  they  went  out  from 
us,  that  they  might  be  made  manifest  that  they  were  not 
all  of  us."  1  John  ii.  19.  "For  I  am  persuaded  that 
neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor 
powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height, 
nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate 
us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord." 
Romans  viii.  38,  39. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 

Of  Free  Agency. 

God  is  pleased  so  to  exercise  his  sovereignty  that  man, 
notwithstanding    the    fall    and    depravity    of    his    nature, 

3 


34  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

whether  doing-  good  or  working  evil,  whether  accepting  or 
rejecting  salvation — acts  frely  and  from  choice.  And  there- 
fore those  who  are  finally  lost  will  be  alone  responsible  for 
the  consequences  of  their  guilt;  and  those  who  are  saved, 
while  they  freely  choose  the  redemption  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus,  will  ascribe  the  choice  of  it,  as  well  as  the  redemp- 
tion itself,  all  to  sovereign  grace.  "Choose  you  this  day 
whom  you  will  serve."  Joshua  xxiv.  15.  "For  why  will 
ye  die,  O  house  of  Israel?"  Ez.  xviii.  31.  "And  ye  will 
not  come  to  me,  that  ye  might  have  life."  John  v.  40. 
"Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling; 
for  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you.  both  to  will  and  to 
do  of  his  good  pleasure."    Phil.  ii.  12,  13. 

ARTICLE  XVII. 
Of  the  Church. 

The  word  church,  as  used  in  the  New  Testament,  prop- 
erly speaking,  has  but  two  meanings,  viz : 

Section  1.  The  church  universal — ^comprising  the 
whole  body  of  believers,  who  have  been,  or  shall  be  gathered 
into  the  fold  of  Christ.  "To  the  general  assembly  and 
church  of  the  first  born,  which  are  written  in  heaven." 
Heb.  xii.  23.  "Even  as  Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and 
gave  himself  for  it."  Eph.  v.  25.  "That  he  might  present 
it  to  himself  a  glorious  church,  not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle, 
or  any  such  thing."    Eph.  v.  27. 

Sec.  2.  The  church  in  a  particular  sense — comprising 
an  assembly  or  congregation  of  believers,  imited  together 
in  christian  fellowship,  and  meeting  from  time  to  time  for 
the  worship  of 'God.     Each  church  is  an  independent  body.. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  35 

Owning  Christ  alone  as  its  Head  and  Lawgiver,  it  bow^s 
only  to  His  dictates;  and  utterly  rejects  the  assumed  spir- 
itual authority  of  all  bodies  or  classes  of  men,  whether  civil 
or  ecclesiastical.  "Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at 
Corinth,  to  them  that  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus."  1 
Cor.  i.  2.  "Likewise  greet  the  church  that  is  in  their  h®use." 
Romans  xvi.  5.  "Unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Smyrna 
write."  Rev.  ii.  8.  "Then  had  the  churches  rest  throughout 
all  Judea,  and  Galilee,  and  Samaria."  Acts  ix.  3L  "And 
if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church ; 
but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee 
as  an  heathen  man  and  a  publican."  Matt,  xviii.  17.  "Then 
pleased  it  the  apostles  and  elders,  with  the  whole  church, 
to  send  chosen  men  of  their  own  company  to  Antioch." 
Acts  XV.  22.  "Then  tidings  of  these  things  came  unto  the 
ears  of  the  church  v/hich  was  in  Jerusaem,  and .  they  sent 
forth  Barnabas,  that  he  should  go  as  far  as  Antioch." 
Acts  xi.  22. 

ARTICLE  XVHL 

Of  Ministers  and  Deacons. 

In  the  chuch  of  Jesus  Christ  there  are  two  classes  of 
officers,  viz :    Ministers  and  Deacons. 

Section  1.  Ministers  are  that  class  of  officers  called  of 
God,  and  set  apart  by  the  church  to  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry— the  preaching  of  the  everlasting  gospel.  They  are 
indiscriminately  called  Bishops  and  Elders,  from  their  over- 
sight of  the  churches  of  Christ.  In  this  office  there  are  no 
higher  or  lower  grades ;  but  all  occupy  a  fraternal  equality, 
and  no  one  is  superior  to  his  brethren  in  power  and  author- 
ity.   "All  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  him- 


36  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

self,  and  hath  given  to  us  the  ministry  of  reconciliation." 
2  Cor.  V.  18.  "And  he  gave  some  apostles;  some  prophets; 
and  some  evangelists ;  and  some  pastors  and  teachers ;  for 
the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ."  Eph.  iv.  11.  "T 
have  set  watchmen  upon  thy  walls,  O  Jerusalem,  which 
shall  never  hold  their  peace  day  nor  night."  Is.  Ixii.  6. 
"For  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac- 
count." Heb.  xiii.  17.  "And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephe- 
sus,  and  called  the  elders  of  the  church,  and  when  they  were^ 
come  to  him,  he  said  unto  them,  take  heed  therefore  unto 
yourselves,  and  to  all  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  you  overseers,*  to  feed  the  church  of  God,  which 
he  hath  purchased  with  his  own  blood."  Acts  xx.  17-28. 
"Ye  know  that  they  which  are  accounted  to  rule  over  the 
Gentiles  exercise  Lordship  over  them ;  and  their  great  ones 
exercise  authority  upon  them.  But  so  shall  it  not  be  among 
you ;  but  whosoever  will  be  great  among  you  shall  be  your 
minister ;  and  whosoever  of  you  will  be  the  chiefest  shall 
be  servant  of  all."  Mark  x.  42-44.  "For  one  is  your  mas- 
ter, even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren."    Matt,  xxiii.  8. 

Sec.  2.  Deacons  are  that  class  of  ofificers  who  are 
charged  with  the  management  of  the  secular  concerns  of 
the  church.  It  is  their  special  duty  to  see  that  their  poor 
are  attended  to,  that  their  pastors  are  supported,  and  that 
arrangements  are  made  for  the  proper  administration  of 
the  ordinances,  and  the  comfortable  and  orderly  mainte- 
nance of  worship.  "Then  the  twelve  called  the  multitude 
of  the  disciples  unto  them  and  said,  it  is  not  reason  that 
we  should  leave  the  word  of  God  and  serve  tables.  Where- 
fore, brethren,  look  ye  out  among  you  seven  men  of  honest 


Uniox  Baptist  Association.  37 

report,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  AMsdom,  whom  we  may 
appoint  over  this  business.  But  we  will  give  ourselves  con- 
tinuall}-  to  prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of  the  world."  Acts 
vi.  2-4.  "They  that  have  used  the  office  of  a  deacon  well, 
purchase  to  themselves  a  good  degree  and  great  boldness 
in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.""     1  Tim.  iii.  13. 

ARTICLE  XIX. 
Of  Baptism. 

Section  1.  Baptism  is  the  rite  of  divine  appointment 
by  which  believers  are  initiated  into  the  Christian  church. 
It  is  the  profession  of  discipleship,  the  public  declaration 
of  faith;  and  those  only  are  proper  subjects  of  baptism  who 
have  believed  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  "He  that  believeth, 
and  is  baptized,  shall  be  saved."  Mark  xvi.  16.  "And  the 
eunuch  said,  See,  here  is  water,  what  doth  hinder  me  to  be 
baptized?  And  Philip  said.  If  thou  believest  with  all  thine 
heart,  thou  mayest."  Acts  viii.  26,  37.  "Then  they  that 
gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized."  Acts  ii.  41.  "But 
when  they  believed,  Philip  preaching  the  things  concerning 
the  kingdom  of  God,  and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they 
were  baptized,  both  men  and  women."  Acts  viii.  12.  "And 
many  of  the  Corinthians  hearing,  believed  and  were  bap- 
tized." Acts  xviii.  8.  "The  like  figure,  whereunto  even 
baptism  doth  also  now  save  us,  not  the  putting  away  of  the 
filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience 
towards  God."     1  Peter  iii.  21. 

Sec.  2.  The  only  mode  of  Baptism  is  immersion  in 
water.  "Then  went  out  to  him  Jerusalem,  and  all  Judea, 
and  all  the  region  round  about  Jordan,  and  were  baptized 


38  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

of  him  in  Jordan,  confessing  their  sins."  Matt."  iii.  5,  6. 
"And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up  straightway  out 
of  the  water."  Matt.  iii.  16.  ''And  they  went  down  into 
the  water,  both  Philip  and  the  eunuch;  and  he  baptized 
him.  And  when  they  were  come  up  out  of  the  water,  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  caught  away  PhiHp."  Acts  viii.  38,  39. 
"Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death  ; 
that  hke  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of 
life.  For  if  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the  likeness 
of  his  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of  his  resur- 
rection." Rom.  vi.  4,  5.  "Buried  with  him  in  baptism, 
Vv'herein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of  the 
operation  of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead." 
Col.  iii.  12. 

ARTICLE  XX. 

Of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  Lord's  Supper  is  an  ordinance  commemorative  of 
the  love,  the  sufferings,  and  the  death  of  our  Divine  Re- 
deemer. The  elements  in  this  ordinance  are  bread  and  wine 
— symbolical  of  the  broken  body,  and  the  shed  blood  of  the 
Son  of  God.  Inasmuch  as  it  is  a  church  ordinance,  and 
baptism  is  the  prerequisite  to  church  membership,  those 
only  should  be  admitted  to  the  communion  table  who  have 
been  baptized  upon  a  profession  of  faith.  Hence  the  pro- 
priety of  restricted  communion.  "And  as  they  were  eating, 
Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it 
to  the  disciples,  and  said,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body.  And 
he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  them  saying, 
Drink  ye  all  of  it;    for  this  is  my  blood  of  the  New  Testa- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  39 

ment,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins." 
Matt.  xxvi.  26-28.  "This  do  in  remembrance  of  me."  1 
Cor.  xi.  24.  ''For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  tih  he  come."  1 
Cor.  xi.  26. 

ARTICLE  XXL 

Of  tpie  Resurrection  and  Judgment. 

Section  L  When  the  purposes  of  God  are  accom- 
phshed  in  the  present  world,  and  immediately  before  the 
final  judgment,  there  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  all  the  dead. 
■'Thy  dead  men  shall  live,  together  with  my  dead  body 
shall  they  arise.  Awake  and  sing  ye  that  sleep  in  dust ;  for 
thy  dew  is  as  the  dew  of  herbs ;  and  the  earth  shall  cast 
out  the  dead."  Is.  xxvi.  19.  "And  many  of  them  that  sleep 
in  the  dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake,  some  to  everlasting 
life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting  contempt."  Dan. 
xii.  2.  "For  the  hour  is  coming  in  the  which  all  that  are 
in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come  forth  r 
they  that  have  done  good  unto  the  resurrection  of  life ;  and 
they  that  have  done  evil  unto  the  resurrection  of  damna- 
tion." John  V.  28,  59.  "But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the 
dead,  and  become  the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept."  I 
Cor.  XV.  20.  "And  have  hope  towards  God,  which  they 
themselves  also  allow,  that  there  shall  be  a  resurrection  of 
the  dead,  both  of  the  just  and  unjust."  Acts  xxiv.  15. 
"For  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised 
incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed."  1  Cor.  xv.  52". 
"It  is  sown  a  natural  body;  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body." 
1  Cor.  XV.  44. 

Sec.  2.  Immediately  after  the  resurrection,  the  final- 
judgment  of  all  mankind  shall  take  place.    Jesus  Christ  will 


40  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

be  the  Judge.  Before  Him  all  nations  shall  be  assembled; 
and  He  will  judge  them,  every  man,  according  to  the  deeds 
done  in  the  body.  "And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men  once 
to  die,  but  after  this  the  judgment. "  Heb.  ix.  27.  "Be- 
cause he  hath  appointed  a  day  in  which  he  will  judge  the 
world  in  righteousness,  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  or- 
dained." Acts  xviii.  31.  "When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come 
in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall 
he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory;  and  before  him  shall 
be  gathered  all  nations."  Matt.  xxa'.  31,  32.  "And  I  saw 
the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  before  God ;  and  the  books 
were  opened ;  and  another  book  was  opened,  which  was  the 
book  of  life;  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things 
which  were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works." 
Rev.  XX.  12.  "For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judg- 
ment, with  every  secret  thing;  whether  it  be  good,  or 
whether  it  be  evil."    Ecc.  xii.  14. 

ARTICLE  XXII. 

Of  the  Future  Condition  of  the  Righteous  and  of  the 

Wicked. 

Section  1.  After  the  decisions  of  the  last  day,  the 
righteous  shall  be  elevated  to  a  state  of  perfect  and  eternal 
blessedness.  They  shall  dwell  in  the  immediate  presence 
of  God — exempt  from  all  sin,  sorrow,  and  infirmity — and 
in  the  tranquil  enjoyment  of  glory,  honor,  and  immortality. 
""I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare 
a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto 
inyself ;  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also."  John  xiv. 
2,  3.    "Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand, 


Union  Baptist  Association.  41 

come,  ye  blessed,  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  pre- 
pared for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world."  Matt. 
XXV.  34.  "For  so  an  entrance  shall  be  ministered  unto  you 
abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  2  Peter,  i.  11.  "When  Christ,  who 
is  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him 
in  glory."  Col.  iii.  4.  "Therefore  are  they  before  the 
throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple ; 
and  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them. 
They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more ;  neither 
shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb, 
which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne,  shall  feed  them,  and 
shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters  ;  and  God 
shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes."  Rev.  vii.  15-17. 
Sec.  2.  The  wicked  shall  be  forever  banished  from  the 
presence  of  God;  and  assigned  to  an  abode  of  deep  per- 
dition, and  of  endless  torment.  "Then  shall  he  say  also  unto 
them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into 
everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels." 
Matt.  XXV.  41.  "And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting 
punishment."  Matt.  xxv.  46.  "The  wicked  shall  be  turned 
into  hell  and  all  the  nations  that  forget  God."  Psalms  ix. 
17.  "Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his 
power."  2  Thes.  i.  9.  "But  the  fearful  and  unbelieving, 
and  the  abominable,  and  murders,  and  whoremongers,  and 
sorcerers,  and  idolators,  and  all  liars,  shall  have  their  part 
in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and  brimstone ;  which 
is  the  second  death."  Rev.  xxi.  8.  "And  whosoever  was 
not  found  written  in  the  book  of  life  was  cast  into  the  lake 
of  fire."    Rev.  xx.  15. 


42  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  First  Anniversary  of  the  Brown  Creek  Associa- 
tion Held  With  Monroe  Baptist  Church 
October  20-22,  1855. 

In  giving  an  account  of  the  first  anniversary  of  the 
Brown  Creek  Association  we  will  quote  extensively  from 
the  minutes  of  that  session.  We  have  not  found  a  good 
copy  of  the  minutes  of  this  session,  so  we  cannot  give  an 
absolutely  accurate  account.  This  session  was  held  with 
Monroe  Baptist  church,  in  the  old  wooden  building  which 
stood  near  the  town  cemetery,  and,  if  we  have  been  correctly 
informed,  was  burned  many  years  ago. 

This  session  of  the  Association  was  opened  with  an  intro- 
ductory sermon  by  Elder  E.  Morton.  His  text  was  Romans 
1 :16.  A  short  intermission  was  given  after  the  sermon, 
then  the  brethren  and  the  delegates  reassembled  for  the 
purpose  of  organizing  for  the  session.  Prayer  was  ofifered 
by  Elder  R.  B.  Jones,  who  then  lived  in  Charlotte.  The 
delegates  then  retired  to  give  place  for  preaching.  They 
took  seats  in  the  grove  near  the  old  stand,  and  proceeded 
to  business.  D.  A.  Covington  was  elected  Moderator  and 
D.  Rushing,  Clerk.  The  names  of  the  churches  were  called 
and  the  following  delegates  enrolled : 

Mount  Olive — W.  Chambers,  S.  Snider,  D.  Rushing. 
Faulks — .\.  F.  Moore,  S.  H.  Parker,  Peter  Parker. 
Monroe — C.  Austin,  D.  A.  Covington,  T-  Benton. 


Union  Baptist  xIssociation.  4S 

The  Moderator  gave  an  opportunity  for  other  churches- 
to  present  letters  from  Associations  of  Hke  faith,  whereupon 
Shiloh  and  Cross  Roads*  presented  petitions  and  letters 
from  Moriah  Association.  They  were  received  and  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship  extended  them  by  the  Moderator,. 
He  then  called  for  representatives  'from  sister  Associations,, 
and  W.  W.  Alsobrooks  responded  for  the  Moriah. 

The  Moderator  then  appointed  the  following  commit- 
tees :  To  arrange  preaching  and  look  after  the  general  in- 
terest of  the  Association,  Brethren  W.  Chambers,  C.  Austin,, 
D.  Rushing  and  S.  Snider. 

On  requests  and  queries,  and  church  letters.  Brethren 
S.  H.  Parker,  J.  F.  McClure  and  J.  W.  Benton.  The  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  then  offered  by  D.  Rushing: 

Article  L 

That  the  several  churches  composing  the  Brown  Creek 
Association  and  friends  of  the  Baptist  cause  raise,  by  sub- 
scription annually,  such  amounts  of  money  as  they  may  be 
willing  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  Home  Missions ;  and 
said  money,  when  subscribed,  to  be  pledged  for  to  the  Asso- 
ciation by  the  delegates  of  each  church,  and  then  to  be  col- 
lected and  sent  up  to  the  succeeding  session  of  the  Associa- 
iion,  and  paid  over  to  the  Treasurer,  the  Treasurer  to  re- 
turn the  same  in  his  report  as  the  Itinerate  fund. 

Article  II. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Association,  wdien  the  churches 
shall  have  become  pledged   for  the  amount  that  has  been 

*This  church  soon  became  extinct  and  we  have  not  been  able 
to  find  anyone  who  could  locate  it  for  us. 


44  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

subscribed  by  the  churches,  then  to  appoint  a  committee  of 
three  or  more  persons  to  be  denominated  the  Itinerate  Com- 
mittee of  the  Brown  Creek  Association;  and  their  time  of 
office  shall  expire  at  the  succeeding  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion. 

Article  III. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Itinerate  Committee,  soon 
after  their  appointment  to  office,  to  endeavor  to  procure 
the  services  of  one  or  more  ministers,  as  the  means  of  the 
Association  may  admit  of,  to  itinerate  for  said  Association; 
and  the  Itinerates  thus  employed  to  be  allowed  not  exceed- 
ing one  dollar  per  day  for  their  services. 

Article  IV. 

The  Itinerate  Committee  is  required  to  give  a  written 
certificate  to  those  whom  they  employ  as  Itinerates.  They 
may  give  the  general  rules  of  operation  to  be  required  of 
the  Itinerates  in  the  field  of  labor. 

Article  V. 

It  shall  be  obligatory  on  the  Itinerates  employed  for  the 
Brown  Creek  Association  to  keep  a  strict  account  of  all  the 
:services  conducted,  and  all  the  contributions  received,  and 
/'eport  the  same  to  the  Itinerate  Committee.  The  following 
were  appointed  on  this  committee :  D.  A.  Covington,  D. 
Rushing,  S.  H.  Parker,  Thos.  Griffin  and  J.  W.  Benton. 
These  resolutions  were  referred  to  a  select  committee  con- 
sisting of  D.  A.  Covington,  S.  Snider,  W.  Chambers,  J.  W. 
Benton  and  Thomas  Griffin.  This  committee  made  the 
following   report:     "We    have   had    the    resolutions    under 


Union  Baptist  Association,  45'- 

consideration,   and   report  them  back  without  amendment, 
and  recommend  their  adoption. 

"W.  Chambers,  Chairman." 

The  report  was  adopted  and  the  committee  discharged. 

The  Association  embraced  Sunday  and  was  considered 
the  greatest  day  of  all.  At  the  morning  hour  Elder  N. 
Funderburk  delivered  a  short  discourse,  after  which  Elder 
R.  B.  Jones  preached  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation 
on  the  subject  of  Baptism.  A  public  collection  was  taken 
for  Home  Missions,  which  amounted  to  $11.35.  A  recess- 
of  one  hour  was  then  given,  after  which  Elder  E.  Morton 
preached  a  warm  and  effective  sermon,  which  was  followed 
by  a  stirring  exhortation,  during  which  time  sinners  wept, 
and  saints  were  made  to  rejoice.  Some  penitents  presented' 
themselves  at  the  altar  for  prayer. 

The  session  on  the  following  Monday  was  opened  by- 
prayer.  Elder  S.  Snider  leading.  The  roll  was  then  called, 
the  constitution  -and  rules  of  decorum  read,  and  the  min- 
utes of  Saturday's  session  approved. 

The  committee  on  church  letters,  etc.,  reported  that  the 
next  session  of  the  Association  was  desired  by  Faulk's 
Church,  and  $13.15  had  been  paid  in  for  the  publication 
of  the  minutes. 

It  was  moved  and  adopted  that  this  Association  open 
correspondence  with  sister  Associations,  and  the  following- 
were  appointed  as  messengers :  S.  Snider  and  James  Ben- 
ton to  the  Pee  Dee;  W.  Chambers,  D.  Rushing  and  S.  H. 
Parker  to  the  Moriah ;  W.  Chambers  and  John  Bivens  to 
the  Welsh  Neck,  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  to  prepare  the- 
letter;  Elder  Funderburk,  Casper  Harget,  J.  W.  Benton,, 
and  Thos.  Griffin  to  the  Broad  River. 


46  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

No  Treasurer  of  the  Association  was  elected  iintil'  Mon- 
day. The  election  resulted  in  the  election  of  W.  Chambers 
as  Associational  Treasurer. 

The  session  of  1856  was  to  be  held  with  Faulk's 
Church,  beginning-  on  Saturday  before  the  fourth  Lord's 
Day.  Elder  R.  B.  Jones  was  appointed  to  preach  the  in- 
troductory sermon,  Elder  X.  Funderburk  his  alternate.  The 
following  amounts  were  pledged  by  the  delegates  represent- 
ing the  churches : 

Mount   Olive    '. $81.50 

Faulks    10.00 

Monroe 25.00 

Shiloh    10.00 

Cross  Roads   ,  .  . 10.00 

Total    $136.50 

This  was  a  great  offering  for  these  churches.  They 
were  more  liberal  in  some  ways  then  than  they  are  now. 
Money  was  scarce  and  their  membership  small,  but  they 
were  liberal. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  session  w^as  prepared  by  Bro. 
C.  Austin,  and  since  it  was  the  first  one  we  give  it  in  full 
as  follows : 

CIRCULAR. 

To  THE  Churches  Composing  the  Brown  Creek 
Baptist  Association. 
Dear  Brethren : 

According  to  previous  arrangement,  we  present  you  an 
Epistolary  xA.ddress,  the  subject  of  which  may  be  found  in 
Acts,  1st  Chap.,  14th  V.: 


Union  Baptist  Association,  47 

''These  all  continued,  with  one  accord,  in  prayer  and 
supplication." 

This  subject  points  out  and  relates  to  the  inspired  Apos- 
tles of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  together  with 
the  Disciples  who  were  assembled  with  them  on  that  occa- 
sion ;  all  of  wdiom  had  personally  associated  with  our  Sav- 
iour, while  on  earth,  constantly  heard  his  glorious  doc- 
trines, and  witnessed  his  great  miracles.  In  the  12th  and 
13th  verses  of  this  chapter,  we  have  an  example  which  con- 
spires with  the  precepts  taught  by  our  Saviour  and  his  holy 
Apostles,  teaching  us  the  propriety  and  importance  of  as- 
sembling ourselves  together,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ;  as 
we  are  also  taught  in  the  same  verses,  that  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  the  Church  of  our  Membership,  is  the  most  proper 
place  for  us  to  assemble  together. 

First :  We  notice  that  all  met  in  the  same  house,  and 
with  the  same  resolution,  to  continue  until  the  object  they 
had  in  view  was  accomplished. 

Second :    There  was  harmony  in  their  employment. 

Third  :    That  employment  was  prayer  and  ^supplication. 

Fourth:  The  object  of  their  prayers  was  the  pouring  of 
God's  holy  spirit  upon  the  Church,  the  conversion  of  sin- 
ners, an  addition  of  souls  tO'  the  Church,  and  an  increase  o'f 
laborers  in  God's  vineyard. 

Dear  Brethren,  composing  this  infant  Association:  Is 
there  not  cause  for  us  to  follow  the  example  of  the  primi- 
tive Church,  and  to  assemble  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  wdth 
one  joint  resolution,  to  continue  in  prayer  and  supplication 
to  Almighty  God,  who  has  made  exceeding  great  and  pre- 
cious promises  to  his  people  and  whoever  has  and  ever 
will  fulfill  them,  in  answer  to  their  fervent  prayers. 


48  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

We  have  cause  thus  to  pray  for  the  outpouring  of  God's 
Holy  Spirit  upon  us  as  Churches  and  upon  us  individually. 
We  need  more  of  the  light  of  the  good  Spirit,  to  illuminate 
our  path,  that  we  may  walk  and  not  stumble,  and  to  shine 
in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  have  a  true  discovery  of  the  cor- 
ruptions and  evil  propensities  of  our  nature ;  that  we  may 
put  no  trust  in  the  flesh;  and  also  to  enlighten  our  minds, 
that  we  may  more  fully  understand  the  historical  and  de- 
scriptive, the  doctrinal  and  practical  parts  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  We  need  more  of  the  fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in 
our  souls,  to  warm  our  cold  affections,  to  increase  our  love 
to  God,  to  his  People,  to  his  Word,  to  his  House,  to  his 
Cause,  and  to  perishing  Sinners,  too.  O,  for  the  fire  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  from  Heaven,  to  t)urn  in  our  hearts,  until  it 
shall  kindle  a  hallowed  flame  in  each  of  our  breasts,  and 
give  more  powerful  impulse  to  all  our  energies !  We  need 
more  of  the  comforts  of  the  blessed  Spirit,  His  Witness,  to 
testify  that  we  are  the  children  of  God,  and  also  to  reveal 
to  us  some  of  the  treasures,  and  apply  to  ourselves  some 
of  the  sweet  provisions  of  the  glorious  inheritance  that  is 
reserved  in  Heaven  for  God's  children,  and  also  to  light  up 
around  us  and  reveal  to  our  understanding  more  of  that 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  which  is  in  reserve 
for  the  Heirs  of  Promise,  that  we  may  rejoice  with  that 
joy  which  is  inexpressible  and  full  of  glory. 

We  are  diminutive,  we  have  cause  thus  to  pray  for  an 
accession  to  our  Churches,  of  such  as  shall  be  saved  in  the 
last  great  day;  we  need  aid  in  counsel,  in  example,  in  prayer, 
and  also  in  means  to  spread  far  and  wide  the  glorious 
Gospel,  which  is  the  bread  and  water  of  life;  to  our  own 
selves,  especially,  we  should  thus  devote  ourselves  to  God, 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  49 

in  fervent  prayer  for  the  outpouring  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  in 
the  salvation  of  immortal  souls,  for  the  reason  that  in  our 
midst  and  all  around  us  are  hundreds  and  thousands  of  souls 
that  must  shortly  be  converted,  or  endure  the  vivid  tor- 
tures of  a  burning-  hell  forever. 

In  view  of  the  vacant  state  of  our  ministerial  office,  we 
have  affecting  cause  to  approach  the  House  of  God.  and 
with  one  accord,  in  deep  humility,  send  i/p  our  supplica- 
tions to  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest,  that  he  would  send  forth 
more  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  In  the  field  of  our  Asso- 
ciation, we  have  but  one  ^Minister  who  is  the  prey  of  a  mor- 
tal disease,  which  has  to  a  considerable  extent  destroyed, 
and  will  soon  terminate  his  usefulness  on  earth.  In  our 
Churches,  there  are  none  who  exercise  the  gift  of  Exhorta- 
tion, and  but  few  who  exercise  the  gift  of  prayer  in  public. 
Some  of  our  Churches  are  unsupplied  ;  conference  meetings 
imprefectly  conducted:  discipline  in  a  great  measure  neg- 
lected ;  and  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  also  neglected. 
Will  you  now,  dear  brethren,  cast  your  eyes  over  the  fields, 
and  see  that  they  are  white  unto  harvest?  And  can  we  not, 
with  one  united  heart  and  voice,  adopt  the  language  of  our 
blessed  Saviour,  and  say,  "The  harvest  is  plenteous,  and 
the  laborers  are  few"?  We  are  encouraged  by  the  infallible 
promise  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thus  to  convene  together, 
to  covenant  with  each  other,  and  unite  our  supplication  for 
and  in  behalf  of  each  other,  and  for  all  mankind  in  general. 
Our  Saviour  has  said,  "Where  two  or  three  are  assembled 
in  his  name,  he  will  be  in  their  midst."  Again,  he  has  said, 
"Ask  and  ye  shall  receive."  Also,  he  saith,  "Where  two  or 
three  of  you  shall  agree  on  earth,  as  touching  any  one  thing 
that  ye  shall  ask  for  in  my  name,  it  shall  be  granted." 

4 


50  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

Dear  Brethren :  With  the  motives  presented,  and  the 
encouragement  offered  in  this  epistle,  do  we  not  all  feel  will- 
'  ing  forthwith  to  assemble  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  ?  Nay, 
cannot  all  of  us  say,  with  the  Psalmist  David,  "I  was  glad 
when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,"  and  when  there  assembled,  can  we  not  jointly  agree 
fo  pray  for  the  outpouring  of  God's  Holy  Spirit  upon  us,  as 
Churches,  as  persons,  and  upon  all  flesh,  in  mercy's  bounds, 
so  that  our  dark  minds  may  be  enlightened,  our  path  to  glory 
illuminated,  our  hearts  inflamed  with  the  dying  love  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  all  the  powers  of  our  souls  be  quickened 
up  to  a  state  of  obedient  activity?  Can  we  not  together 
pray  for  a  general  outpouring  of  God's  blessed  Spirit  on 
our  families,  our  neighbors,  and  upon  sinners,  to  earth's 
remotest  bounds  ?  Can  we  not  most  fervently  imite  in  sup- 
plication to  God,  for  an  addition  to  our  ministry — that  God, 
by  His  Holy  Spirit,  would  enrich  our  Churches,  with  more 
efiicient  gifts — that  he  would  raise  up  among  us  gifts  in 
exhortation — and  especially  that  he  would  raise  up  among 
us  men  with  gifts  to  preach  to  us  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  Christ? 

Dear  Brethren :  The  Lord  has  not  only  commanded  and 
encouraged  us  thus  to  approach  him,  but  challenges  us  in 
this  way  to  prove  him,  pledging  his  majestic  honor  to  pour 
us  out  a  blessing  that  there  shall  not  be  room  to  contain  it. 

The  devoted  disciples,  whose  example  we  have  pre- 
sented for  our  imitation,  comfortably  witnessed  the  fulfill- 
ment of  this  promise,  before  they  left  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

Oh,  what  an  overflowdng  blessing  they  realized,  on  the 
day  of  Pentecost,  when  the  Holy  Ghost  filled  all  the  house 
where  thev  were  assembled. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  51 

Now,  dear  brethren,  in  prospect  of  the  outpouring  of 
God's  Holy  Spirit  upon  us,  as  Christians,  the  conversion  of 
our  famihes  and  sinners  in  general,  an  accession  of  many 
new  converts  to  our  Churches,  and  a  multiplicity  of  minis- 
terial gifts  among  us,  will  we  not  say  to  each  other :  Come, 
let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  there  solemnly 
covenant  with  each  other  to  fervently  pray  together,  until 
our  petition  be  granted.  In  this  way,  we  shall  cultivate 
the  gifts  among  us,  and  also  encourage  others  who  have 
gifts,  to  exercise  them,  too.  Xow,  of  the  things  which  we 
have  spoken  this  is  the  sum :  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  rich 
in  gifts  and  graces,  and  has  not  only  made  it  our  high  priv- 
ilege, but  our  reasonable  duty,  to  come  to  the  Throne  of 
Grace,  and  there,  with  one  united  heart  and  voice,  in  full 
assurance,  to  ask  Him  ;  and  we  shall  receive.  All  of  which 
may  God  grant  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


52  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Sessions  of  1856-60. 

The  session  of  1856  was  held  with  Faulk's  Baptist 
Chuch.  No  minutes  of  this  session  can  be  found  so  we 
cannot  give  a  full  account  of  the  meeting.  Elder  R.  B. 
Jones  of  Charlotte  preached  the  introductory  sermon  and 
Elder  Solomon  Snider  prepared  the  Circular  Letter.  This 
custom  passed  out  with  this  session.  Up  to  this  time  some 
one  would  prepare  one  each  year.  ]\Iuch  interest  was  mani- 
fested in  them  and  some  of  them  are  remarkable  pieces  of 
literature.  We  have  not  been  able  to  secure  the  one  pre- 
pared by  Elder  Snider  but  we  are  sure  it  was  fine.  It  is  a 
great  pity  we  cannot  secure  it,  as  it  was  the  last  one  called 
for  by  this  body.  From  this  session  our  reports  were  made 
on  the  several  branches  of  work  carried  on  by  this  organ- 
ization. These  were  Sunday  School,  Temperance  and  Home 
Missions  which  at  this  time  did  not  mean  anything  but  mis- 
sion work  within  the  bounds  of  the  Brown  Creek  Associa- 
tion. The  field  had  not  yet  broadened.  The  home  base 
must  needs  be  strengthened.  Meadow  Branch,  Rocky  River, 
Mineral  Springs  and  Mt.  Moriah  Churches  came  with  peti- 
tions and  letters  to  the  session  and  were  received.  The  ses- 
sion began  on  Saturday  before  the  fourth  Lord's  Day  and 
continued  through  the  following  Monday.  A  change  in 
time  of  meeting  was  made  here  and  from  this  session  for- 
ward it  has  met  on  some  day  between  the  first  and  second 
Sunday.  Really  this  session  was  the  last  one  held  on  the 
old  order.  Some  changes  were  made  that  have  stood  from 
that  day  until  now. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  53 

We  cannot  give  the  names  of  the  delegates  because  we 
have  failed  to  secure  the  minutes  of  this  year.  The  session 
of  1857  was  held  with  Mt.  Olive  Baptist  Church  beginning 
Friday,  October  9th,  and  continuing  through  Saturday, 
Sunday  and  Monday.  Elder  Samuel  P.  Morton  was  ap- 
pointed to  preach  the  annual  introductory  sermon  but  failed 
to  be  present.  Elder  N.  Funderburk  supplied.  Elder  Mor- 
ton came  later  on  and  led  in  the  opening  prayer  in  the  after- 
noon. D.  A.  Covington,  the  former  moderator,  called  the 
Association  to  order.  The  following  delegates  were  en- 
rolled : 

Mount  Olive — W.    Chambers,    T.    Redfearn,    Darling 
Rushing. 

Monroe — D.  A.  Covington,  W.  J.  Willoughby. 

Faulks — S.  H.  Parker,  J.  M.  Green,  William  Newsome. 

Meadow  Branch— J.  Perry,  W.  J.  T.  Maske,  J.  C.  Wil- 
liams. 

Rocky  River — Elder  S.   P.   Morton,   H.   M.   Broadway, 
J.  J.  Broadway. 

*  Shiloh— Elder  W.  Funderburk,  C.  Hargett,  J.  Hill. 

Mount  Moriah— W.  W.  Alsobrooks,  W.  M.  Alsobrooks, 
K.  C.  Timmons. 

Charlotte — Elder  R.   B.  Jones. 

Waxhaw — S.  J.  Fletcher. Godfrey. 

Mineral  Springs — J.  D.  Green,  S.  Rushing,  T.  K.  Manus. 

Benton's  Cross  Roads — Thos.  Griffin,  C.  Austin. 

Philadelphia — B.  Parker,  W.  C.  King,  J.  P.  Gathings. 

Wadesboro — Elder  A.  L.  Stough,  Elder  E.  Morton,  B. 
F.  Sikes. 

Waxhaw,    Mount    Moriah,   and    Philadelphia    Churches 
presented  petitions  and  letters  from  the   Moriah  Associa- 


54  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

tion.  They  were  received  and  delegates  enrolled  as  shown 
above.  The  churches  recently  organized  at  Charlotte  and 
Wadesboro  presented  letters  asking  to  become  members  and 
were  admitted  after  their  articles  of  faith  had  been  exam- 
ined. 

The  officers  of  the  former  session  were  unanimously 
elected.  These  were  D.  A.  Covington,  iModerator,  and  D. 
Rushing,  Clerk. 

Elder  N.  Fail  and  Brother  S.  Baker  were  received  as 
messengers  from  the  Moriah  Association.  There  seemed 
to  be  some  confusion  about  the  way  the  revival  meetings 
were  being  held.  A  request  was  sent  in  by  the  church  at 
Monroe  relative  to  this  matter,  whereupon  a  committee 
consisting  of  W.  Newsome  J.  Perry,  S.  J.  Fincher,  A.  L. 
Stough,  D.  Rushing,  and  W.  W.  Alsobrooks  was  appointed 
to  investigate  the  matter  and  report  to  the  body  while  in 
session.  At  the  Saturday  morning  session  the  committee 
was  called  upon  to  report,  but  they  were  not  ready.  The 
Association  then  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole.  Elder  R.  B.  Jones  was  called  tO'  the  chair  and  after 
many  interesting  remarks  by  the  brethren,  the  following 
resolutions  were  offered. 

1.  Resolved  that  the  Itinerant  Committee  should  have 
the  power  (with  the  advice  of  those  wdiom  they  may  em- 
ploy as  itinerants)  to  appoint  as  many  protracted  meetings 
as  they  may  deem  practicable  which  are  to  be  held  by  the 
ministers  who  engage  to  render  missionary  services  for  the 
Association. 

2.  Resolved,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  committee,  after 
the  appointment  of  these  meetings,  to  give  sufificient  notice 
thereof  to  all  churches  in  this  Association. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  55 

3.  Resolved,  that  we  recommend  a  public  collection  to  be 
made  at  each  meeting  so  held.  After  deducting  the  pledge 
to  the  Association  of  that  church,  and  the  amount  which 
may  be  paid  to  helpers  (if  any),  the  remainder  to  be  paid 
over  to  the  itinerants,  and  accounted  for  and  reported  to 
the  Association,  and  also  reported  in  the  letter  from  the 
Church. 

4.  Resolved,  that  we  pay  over  to  our  itinerants  one  dol- 
lar and  fifty  cents  per  day. 

5.  Resolved,  that  the  Itinerant  Committee  shall  have 
power  to  recommend  to  the  churches  some  equitable  scale 
and  plan  for  the  payment  of  help. 

6.  Resolved,  that  we  will  not  require  of  our  missionary 
preachers  to  account  for  such  private  donations  as  they  may 
receive  from  individuals. 

7 .  Resolved,  that  we  recommend  the  churches  in  this 
Association  to  release  the  ministers  wdio  supply  them,  who 
may  be  called  on  to  attend  those  protracted  meetings. 

After  considerable  discussions  the  above  resolutions 
were  adopted. 

This  session  of  the  Association  was  held  in  the  Wilson 
Chambers  school  house,  where  the  Association  had  been  or- 
ganized in  1854.  This  session  was  the  first  to  notice  foreign 
missions.  .V  subscription  for  missions  was  called  for  and 
forty-two  dollars  were  pledged  by  the  following  brethren  r 
D.  A.  Covington,  $10.00;  W.  Chambers,  $5.00;  f.  Redfearn, 
$5.00;  A.  L.  Stough,  $3.00;  S.  Rushing,  $2.00;  T.  K.  Manus, 
$2.00;  W.  W.  Alsobrooks,  $4.00;  J.  D.  Green.  $2.00;  J.  P. 
Gathing,  $2.00;  C.  Hargett,  $1.00;  K.  C.  Timmons,  $1.00; 
R.  B.  Jones,  $1.00;  B.  Parker,  $2.00;  E.  L.  Davis,  $2.00,  for 
foreign  missions,  which  was  the  first  money  given  by  any 


56  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

one  in  this  object  in  this  session  so  far  as  the  records  show. 
Ten  dollars  more  were  added  to  the  two  given  by  E.  L. 
Davis,  making  a  total  of  $12.00  for  foreign  missions.  This 
session  was  the  first  to  have  reports  on  Sunday  Schools  and 
Temperance,  Education  and  Periodicals.  To  show  how 
zealous  our  ancestors  were  along  these  lines,  we  give  the 
reports  as  they  were  read  in  this  session  of  the  Association : 

i\IlSSIOXS. 

Your  Committee  on  ^Missions  would  respectfully  report. 
The  time  was  when  the  great  body  of  professing  people 
were  opposed  to  every  project  for  the  improvement  of  so- 
ciety in  religion  and  morals.  Now,  though  there  are  ene- 
mies, yet  a  large  majority  are  jealous  advocates  of  mis- 
sions. Through  the  missionary  enterprise,  the  standard 
of  Immanuel  has  been  deeply  planted  in  our  country— so 
deep,  that  all  the  efforts  of  infidels,  anti-missionary  men  and 
the  Prince  of  Darkness  himself,  cannot  overturn  it.  Our 
cause  is  breaking  forth  on  the  right  and  on  the  left,  and  the 
Macedonian  cry  is  everywhere  heard,  come  and  help  us.  In 
conclusion,  we  earnestly  bespeak  your  aid  in  this  important 
enterprise,  by  your  patronage  and  prayers. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

S.  J.  FiNCHER/ Chairman. 

Education. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of 
Education  would  respectfully  submit  the  following,  as  their 
report : 

We  regard  high  attainments  in  education  to  ministers 
as  of  the  utmost  importance,  in  order  to  advance  the  Re- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  57 

deemer's  Kingdom  on  earth  and  the  interest  of  our  denom- 
ination. We  do  not  mean  to  say  that  men  of  Hmited  attain- 
ment from  books  can  do  no  good;  but  we  do  mean  to  say 
the  more  education  a  minister  has  the  more  useful  he  may 
be.  It  is  the  minister's  object  to  teach  the  ignorant.  It  is 
universahy  conceded,  at  this  day,  "that  knowledge  is  pow- 
er." To  it  ignorance  bows  down  in  homage.  It  always  has, 
and  it  always  will,  give  to  its  possessor  peculiar  power.  In 
view  of  the  foregoing  facts,  we  would  call  your  attention  to 
Wake  Forest  College,  as  deserving  the  highest  regard  and 
most  active  support  of  every  Baptist  in  the  State — a  regard 
and  support  far  greater  than  it  has  hitherto  received.  Aside 
from  its  importance  to  us  as  an  instrument  of  providing  our 
children  with  the  best  security  against  the  pernicious  influ- 
ence of  error,  and  thus  diffusing  more  widely  among  us 
the  blessings  of  true  religion,  this  institution  manifestly  of- 
fers the  only  means  within  our  reach  of  securing  to  the 
Baptists  of  North  Carolina  an  efficient  and  adequate  minis- 
try. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

A.  L.  Stough,  Chairman. 

Periodicals. 

Your  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of 
Periodicals,  beg  leave  to  sumbit  the  following: 

Deeming  the  circulation  of  suitable  religious  books  and 
periodicals  a  powerfvd  auxiliary  to  the  promotion  of  truth, 
we  would  heartily  recommend  to  your  favorable  considera- 
tion the  Biblical  Recorder,  published  at  Raleigh.  This  is 
the  organ  of  our  denomination  in  the  State,  and  is  worthy 
of  a  more  extensive  circulation.     Could  it  find  a  place  in 


58  History  op  the  Broavn  Creek 

ever}/  Baptist  family  the  feelings  of  the  denomination  would 
be  more  thoroughlv  enlisted  in  our  benevolent  enterprises ; 
hence  there  would  be  more  concert  of  action,  which  is  highly 
necessarv  to  the  success  of  any  enterprise.  We  would  also 
recommend  the  Home  and  Foreign  Journal,  and  the  Com- 
mission, both  monthly  periodicals,  published  by  the  Board 
at  Richmond,  Ya.  The  former  at  25  cents  per  annum,  the 
latter  at  $1. 

The  works  issued  by  the  Southern  Baptist  Society,  and 
by  Graves,  Marks  &  Co.,  Nashville.,  Tenn.,  are  worthy  of 
extensive  circulation. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

R.  B.  Jones,  Chairman. 

Sunday  Schools  and  Te^^iperance. 

Your  Committee  regret  that  they  are  unable  at  this  time 
to  present  statistics  on  Sunda}'  schools.  In  the  estimation 
of  your  committee,  Sunday  schools  as  nurseries  to  the 
young  mind,  are  invaluable.  Creating  as  they  do,  when 
properly  conducted,  a  familiarity  with  and  reverence  for 
the  Word  of  God.  The  history  of  Sunday  schools  proves 
their  efficiency  as  instrumentalities  in  the  spiritual  convic- 
tion of  souls.  We  would,  therefore,  recommend  a  Sunday 
school  in  every  Church  of  this  Association. 

Your  Committee  regard  Temperance  a -subject  on  which 
we  are  all  intimately  and  ecjually  interested,  and  by  the  ad- 
vancement of  which  the  cause  of  Christ  will  be  immeasur- 
ably enhanced.  We  regard  it  as  an  indisputable  fact,  that 
intemperance  has  produced  more  Church  trials  and  expul- 
sions among  our  Churches  than  all  the  evils  put  together. 
Your  Committee  are  unanimous  in  their  opinion,  that  the 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  59 

vending,  selling  and  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  bever- 
age are  incompatible  with  the  spirit  of  the  Xew  Testament. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

S.  P.  Morton,  Chairman. 

Elder  A.  L.  Stough  offered  the' following  resolution; 

Resolved.  That  the  course  of  usefulness  pursued  by  the 
Xorth  Carolina  Baptist  State  Convention  since  its  organiza- 
tion, should  endear  it  to  the  friends  of  missions  and  educa- 
tion, and  that  we  earnestly  request  the  ministers  of  this 
Association  to  lay  the  claims  of  the  Convention  before  their 
respective  churches,  and  make  a  vigorous  eft'ort  to  secure 
their  aid. 

The  ministers  do  not  say  that  the  above  resolutions  were 
adopted,  but  since  Elder  R.  B.  Jones  was  appointed  a  dele- 
gate to  the  State  Convention  and  A.  L.  Stough  was  made  a 
life  member,  we  feel  sure  that  they  were  adopted  by  that 
body.  The  following  important  resolution  w'as  also  of- 
fered by  Elder  Stough : 

Resolved,  That  we  view  it  as  a  matter  of  lamentation 
that  so  few  young  brethren  are  coming  forward  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry. 

We  fear  the  churches  are  not  sufficiently  impressed  with 
the  duty  of  praying  to  its  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  he  would 
send  forth  more  laborers  into  His  harvest ;  and  perhaps  have 
not  afforded  sufficient  encouragement  to  young  men  who 
have  gifts  to  enter  the  great  and  arduous  work  of  the  min- 
istry. 

The  Association  must  have  been  greatly  aroused  since 
Elder  R.  B.  Jones  offered  the  following  resolutions : 

Resolved,  That  we  earnestly  recommend  Friday  before 
the  third  Sabbath  in  May  next,  to  be  observed  as  a  day  of: 


60  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer  by  all  of  our  churches  in 
this  Association,  that  God  would  revive  His  work  among  us. 

Resolved,  That  we  earnestly  recommend  the  holding  of 
prayer  meetings  and  Sabbath  Schools  in  all  our  churches; 
and  that  each  church  report  in  its  letter  to  the  next  Associa- 
tion its  success. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  heads  of  families  to 
maintain  family  worship,  and  thereby  let  their  children, 
servants,  and  neighbors  see  their  good  works,  and  glorify 
our  Father  who  art  in  heaven. 

These  resolutions  produced  wonderful  effects.  Nearly 
every  delegate  to  the  Association  pledged  himself  to  hold 
family  worship  at  least  once  a  day.  How  we  do  need  a  re- 
vival of  this  kind  today  !  Many  preachers  do  not  hold  family 
worship  in  their  homes. 

The  following  is  what  was  reported  by  the  churches  to 
the  Brown  Creek  Association  that  they  had  done  during  the 
year  of  1857 :  Baptisms,  93 ;  48  of  these  were  reported  from 
Meadow  Branch.  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  held  a  great  revival 
there  during  the  year,  and  possibly  the  greatest  number 
were  added  in  the  history  of  the  church.  Eighteen  were 
received  by  letter;  IMonroe  got  eight  of  these.  Eight  were 
excluded.    The  membership  at  this  time  totaled  707. 

The  first  Executive  Committee  was  appointed  at  this 
session.  It  was  composed  of  D.  A.  Covington,  C.  Austin, 
and  J.  M.  Green.  The  session  of  1858  met  with  old  Rocky 
River  Church  in  x\nson  County.  Elder  J.  R.  Harmon 
preached  the  introductory  sermon  from  Isa.  Ixii  :6-7. 

The  usual  preliminaries  were  gone  through  with  and 
then  the  Moderator,  D.  A.  Covington,  gave  an  opportunity 
ior  new  churches  to  present  letters  for  admission.     Buck 


Union  Baptist  Association.  61 

Hill,  a  new  church  organized  in  July  of  this  year,  was  the 
only  one  to  present  a  letter.  It  was  found  to  be  orthodox 
and  was  unanimously  admitted  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
body.  This  church  did  not  live  many  years.  We  have  not 
been  able  to  learn  its  exact  location  and  the  cause  of  its  be- 
coming extinct."''' 

The  election  of  officers  at  this  session  resulted  in  D.  A.. 
Covington  for  Moderator  and  J.  ^I.  Green  Clerk.  Elder  H. 
Woodward  presented  himself  as  a  representative  from  the 
Pee  Dee.  Aloriah  was  represented  by  letter.  Elder  R.  H. 
Griffith,  the  new  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Charlotte,, 
w^as  present  at  this  session,  and  was  appointed  to  fill  Elder 
R.  B.  Jones'  place.  Bro..  Jones  had  been  appointed  to 
preach  on  Distinctive  Baptist  Principles,  but  since  he  had 
moved  away  this  duty  fell  upon  Elder  Griffith. 

On  Saturday  several  more  preachers  attended.  Elder  J. 
R.  Harmon  from  the  Moriah  Association,  Elders  A.  D. 
Blackwood,  E.  L.  Davis,  G.  F.  H.  Crockett  and  W.  M. 
Tucker,  a  licentiate  from  the  Pee  Dee.  Elder  Bateman 
from  the  Welsh  Xeck.was  also  there. 

When  the  hour  arrived  for  preaching  the  people  gath- 
ered at  the  stand,  and  Elder  Bateman  addressed  them,, 
using  Eze.  18 :    27th  verse,  as  a  text. 

After  the  sermon  R.  H.  Griffith  and  E.  L.  Davis  made 
stirring  speeches  on  missions.  A  good  strong  subscription 
was  then  taken,  amounting  to  fifty  dollars.  Several  g"ood 
reports  were  read  at  this  session.  If  we  had  the  space  to 
give  them,  we  would  be  so  glad  for  every  Baptist  in  this 
section  to  read  them,  but  our  limited  space  forbids  our 
giving  but  one  of  them.     This  one  we  give  because  of  the 


*It  was  near  Marvin,  and  is  now  called  Pleasant  Valley. 


62  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

importance  of  the  matter  it  contains,  and  it  is  one  of  the 
few  things  left  by  the  lamented  Elder  Silas  J.  Fincher. 

Report  on  Sabbath  Schools  and  Temperance. 

Your  Committee  regards  Intemperance  as  a  great  evil, 
as  the  monstrous  sin  of  North  Carolina.  Drunkenness,  like 
the  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour — has 
blighted  intellect,  destroyed  health,  wasted  property,  tar- 
nished reputation,  dug  premature  graves,  erected  the  gal- 
lows, and,  in  our  opinion,  has  produced  more  discord,  fam- 
ily feuds  and  neighborhood  confusion  than  any  other  evil 
in  the  whole  catalogue  of  crimes.  It  has  proved  to  be  the 
stumbling  block  and  overthrow  of  perhaps  more  church 
members  than  any  other  evil.  Yet  we  rejoice  to  know  that 
a  wonderful  reformation  has  taken  place.  The  pulpit  has 
tiu'ned  loose  the  thunders  of  heaven  against  Drunkenness 
— the  press,  that  mighty  engine,  is  engaged  in  this  glorious 
work.  Various  organizations  are  engaged  in  exterminating 
the  monster  Intemperance.  Your  Committee  would  recom- 
mend to  the  churches  comprising  this  Association  to  aid, 
by  precept  and  example,  in  promoting  the  cause  of  Tem- 
perance, and  to  look  favorably  and  not  with  suspicion  upon 
every  institution  having  for  its  object  the  temporal  interest 
and  spiritual  good  of  man. 

Upon  the  subject  of  Sabbath  Schools,  your  Committee 
would  say  that  they  regard  them  as  great  auxiliaries  to  the 
cause  of  Religion,  and  as  a  means  which  God  has  appointed 
of  imparting  useful  information  to  the  young,  and  of  "train- 
ing- them  up  in  the  way  they  should  go."  Impressions  made 
npon  the  youthful  mind  are  indelible,  "for,  as  the  twig  is 
bent,  so  is  the  tree  inclined."    All  mankind  are  more  or  less 


Union  Baptist  Association.  63 

the  creatures  of  circumstances,  and  hence  the  importance 
of  training  up  our  children  and  directing  the  youth  of  our 
country  to  those  things  that  pertain  to  their  soul's  eternal 
interest.  Brethren,  our  churches,  many  of  them,  are  too 
negligent,  and  seem  to  take  no  interest  in  Sabbath  Schools ; 
and,  we  regret  to  say,  many  of  our  .churches  have  no  schools 
for  the  employment  of  the  children  on  the  Sabbath,  but 
sufifer  them  on  that  Holy  Day — the  day  which  God  has 
commanded  us  to  keep  and  observe  as  sacred,  to  ramble 
about  the  old  fields,  to  rove  up  and  down  creeks ;  play  ball, 
run  races,  engage  in  sport  and  amusement,  thereby  learning 
to  profane,  not  only  the  Lord's  Day,  but  His  holy  name. 
Brethren,  is  this  "keeping  the  Sabbath  Day  holy?"  Is  this 
training  up  children  in  the  way  they  should  go? 
Respectfull}-  submitted, 

S.  J.  FiNCHER,  Chairman. 

In  the  session  held  at  'Sit.  Olive  in  1857  an  Executive 
Committee  was  appointed  to  look  after  the  mission  work 
of  the  Association.  They  were  careful  to  perform  their 
duty,  and  made  the  following  report : 

Report  of  the  Executive  Co:kniiTTEE. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  meeting  of  this 
body  to  arrange  Protracted  Meetings  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Association,  and  procure  the  services  of  ^linisters  to  hold 
the  same,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report : 

That  in  pursuance  of  the  authority  vested  in  us,  made 
the  best  arrangement  we  possibly  could  under  the  existing 
circumstances — of  which  arrangement  each  Church  was 
dulv  notified.    The  services  of  Elders  F.  L.  Davis  and  S.  J. 


64  History  of  the'  Brown  Creek 

Fincher  were  procured  to  hold  these  meetings,  but  owhig 
to  the  affliction  of  Bro.  Davis  he  was  unable  to  render  much 
service.  The  Committee  then  thought  proper  to  employ  J. 
R.  Harmon  to  aid  in  the  prosecution  of  the  work.  These 
meeting's,  so  far  as  we  have  been  informed,  and  judging 
from  those  which  have  come  under  our  own  observation, 
have  resulted  in  much  good,  as  will  appear  from  the  acces- 
sions to  the  churches  where  they  were  held.  Seventy-six 
were  received  and  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  dif- 
ferent churches  with  which  our  itinerate  labored,  including 
thirteen  received  and  baptized  at  Olive  Branch,  who  as  yet 
are  waiting  for  the  constitution  of  a  Church  at  that  place. 
Olive  Branch  is  an  interesting  field  for  the  labors  of  our 
Ministering  brethren,  heretofore  unoccupied  by  the  Mis- 
sionarv  Baptists.  During  the  present  year  a  large  and  com- 
modious house  of  worship  has  been  erected,  and  there  is  a 
prospect  of  a  large  Church  and  a  numerous  congregation 
at  that  place.  We  call  the  attention  of  our  Association  to 
other  neighborhoods  bordering  on  our  bounds.  All  we 
have  to  do,  brethren  (in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee), 
is  to  go  into  those  places,  occupy  them,  and  we  may  antici- 
pate glorious  results. 

S.  J.  Fincher  reports  sixty-seven  days,  J.  R.  Harmon 
reports  twenty-three  days,  and  E.  L.  Davis  seven  days,  as 
Itinerants. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

D.  A.  Covington^  Chairman. 

The  Brown  Creek  Association  was  thoroughly  mission- 
ary at  this  time.  The  brethren  were  not  very  well  informed, 
but  they  used  well  the  knowledge  they  had.     During  this 


Union  Baptist  Association.  65 

session  of  the  Association  a  brother  made  a  motion  that 
each  pastor  preach  on  missions  some  time  during  the  year, 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  take  a  collection  for  the  same. 
They  did  not  kick  at  this;  but  it  carried  unanimously. 

On  Sunday  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  preached  the  missionary 
sermon  from  Prov.  xi.  30.  This  'sermon  was  followed  by 
a  good  strong  collection  for  missions.  Elder  R.  H.  Griffith 
then  preached  a  sermon  from  1  Cor.  xi.  2. 

A  splendid  report  on  the  state  of  the  churches  was  read. 
This  is  so  good  we  must  give  it  as  it  appeared  in  the  min- 
utes of  the  session  of  1858.    The  report  is  as  follows: 

Report  on  the  State  of  the  Churches. 

Mount  Olive  during  the  year  has  enjoyed  a  most  glo- 
rious revival  and  a  large  accession  made  to  the  Church. 
They  can  truly  say,  the  "Lord  has  done  great  things  for  us, 
whereof  we  are  glad." 

Monroe  has  had  some  additions  during  the  year,  though 
the  Church  laments  a  state  of  coldness,  and  asks  an  interest 
in  the  prayers  of  the  Association. 

Faulks  held  a  meeting  of  ten  days,  at  which  several 
joined,  and  at  the  close  numbers  were  asking  Christians 
to  pray  for  them. 

Meadow  Branch  has  had  several  protracted  meetings, 
and  though  large  additions  were  made  to  the  Church,  many 
others  professed  faith  in  Christ  at  these  meetings  who  have 
not  attached  themselves  to  the  Church. 

Rocky  River,  though  it  has  enjoyed  no  revival,  keeps 
up  a  weekly  prayer  meeting,  and  has  a  prosperous  Sunday 
School.     "In  due  season  ye  shall  reap." 

5 


66  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Mineral  Springs  reports  no  additions,  but  manifests  a 
deep  anxiety  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and  requests  visi- 
tations from  Ministering"  brethren. 

Shiloh  has  enjoyed  some  refreshing  seasons  and  has  a 
flourishing  Sunday  School. 

Cross  Roads,  at  present  without  ?\Iinisterial  labors,  la- 
ments that  it  has  had  but  little  preaching  during  the  past 
Summer. 

Mount  Moriah  deplores  the  loss  of  a  beloved  deacon, 
Bro.  W.  W.  Alsobrook,  whose  praise  was  in  all  the  churches. 
It  has  had  a  revival  and  additions.  Keeps  up  Sunday 
School  and  prayer  meeting. 

Philadelphia  has  had  a  revival  and  additions. 

Charlotte  reports  revivals  and  an  addtion  of  strength 
during  the  year.     Keeps  up  Sunday  School. 

Wadesboro  reports  no  accessions,  but  regular  preaching. 

Waxhaw  has  been  encouraged  by  a  revival  and  strength- 
ened by  additions. 

Buck  Hill*  was  constituted  in  July,  and  reports  a  flour- 
ishing condition. 

The  body  still  held  to  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer. 

The  churches  reported  155  baptisms  this  year  and  the 
membership  had  increased  from  707  to  857. 

The  session  of  1859  was  held  with  ^Meadow  Branch 
church.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder 
S.  P.  Ivlorton  from  Judges  viii.  4,  last  clause — "Faint,  yet 
pursuing  them." 

After  a  short  intermission  the  Association  was  organized 
and  proceeded  to  business.  The  ofiicers  of  the  session  of 
1858  were  re-elected.     New  churches  were  called  for,  and 


^Revival  of  old  church  now  Pleasant  Valley. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  67 

Olive  Branch,  a  church  organized  October  30,  1858,  pre- 
sented a  letter  and  was  received.  The  beginning  of  this 
church  was  mentioned  in  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee given  above.  Deep  Creek  church  presented  a  letter 
from  the  Aloriah  Association,  and  was  received.  Elder  E.  L. 
Davis  and  Bro.  F.  B.  Flake  from  the  Pee  Dee  were  wel- 
comed to  seats  with  the  body. 

Elder  A.  L.  Stough  read  the  report  on  Missions.  It  is 
such  a  fine  document  we  give  it  in  full.  It  is  a  splendid 
production  of  his  as  well  as  an  earnest  exhortation  to 
indolent  Christians. 

Report  on   Missions. 

The  Committee  on  Missions  respectfully  report: 
That  the  ]\Iission  Cause  is  one  of  deep  and  stirring  in- 
terest, commending  itself  to  the  attention,  sympathies,  con- 
fidence, prayer  and  contribution  of  every  patriot  and  Chris- 
tian. There  are  several  departments  in  this  great  cause,  in 
which  we,  as  a  denomination,  are  at  present  engaged ;  they 
are,  however,  but  the  several  parts  of  one  great  system, 
each  having  the  same  great  end  in  view,  the  glory  of  God. 
and  the  salvation  of  Souls.  Each  may  have  its  own  pecu- 
liar sphere  and  mode  of  operation,  without  a  clashing  of 
interest,  or  contrariety  of  purpose. 

Foreign  Alissions. — The  field  of  operation  in  this  de- 
partment of  ^Missions  in  the  Heathen  AVorld.  The  Board  of 
Foreign  Alissions  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  have, 
at  present,  China,  Africa,  Brazil  and  Japan  laid  off  as  their 
fields,  comprising  nearly  one-half  of  the  world's  entire  pop- 
ulation. Thousands  of  heathens  have  been  released  from 
iron  fetters  of  cruel  superstition  and  debasing  idolatry,  and 


68  History  of  the  Browx  Creek 

have   been   made   the   happy   subjects   of   the   kingdom    of 
Christ. 

Domestic  Missions. — The  Board  of  Domestic  Missions 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  are  engaged  in  send-_ 
ing  to  the  extent  the  Missionaries,  and  the  word  of  truth, 
into  every  destitute  city,  town,  village  or  neighborhood  in 
the  Southern  and  South-Western  States  and  Territories. 
The  report  of  the  Board,  for  the  last  year,  announces  1,677 
baptized,  26  churches  constituted,  24  ministers  ordained,  58 
young  men  connected  with  Missionary  Churches,  preparing 
for  the  ministry,  28  Meeting-Houses  commenced  during  the 
year,  and   15   Meeting-Houses  finished. 

Indian  Missions. — This  field  embraces  the  20  millions 
in  North  America  and  South  America,  and  the  two  thou- 
sand in  the  Indian  Territory,  immediately  on  our  Western 
borders.  The  Indian  Mission  Board  reports  some  135 
Churches  and  Stations  supplied  with  preaching,  2  Ministers 
and  Deacons  ordained,  355  converts  baptized,  5  Churches 
constituted,  5  Meeting-Houses  built.  "Our  greatest  need 
is  the  field."  The  Indians  are  begging  for  the  word  of  life, 
without  which  they  will  perish.     Shall  they  perish? 

State  Missions. — The  North  Carolina  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention is  engaged  in  aiding  feeble  churches  and  establishing 
new"  preaching  places  within  her  bounds ;  that  this  depart- 
ment of  Missions  is  owned  and  blessed  by  the  God  of  Mis- 
sions does  not  admit  of  a  single  minute's  doubt.  The  pres- 
ent numbers,  standing,  strength  and  influence  of  our  de- 
nomination in  the  State  are  greatly  indebted  to  our  State 
Missions.  This  is  one  of  the  instrumentalities  by  which 
"the  solitary  places  have  been  made  glad,  and  the  wilder- 
ness to  blossom  and  rejoice."     Flourishing  churches  exist 


Union  Baptist  Association.  69 

where,  a  few  years  ago,  the  inquiry,  where  the  sarcastic 
language  is  put,  "Who  are  the  Baptist?"  \\&  have  an 
instance  of  this  kind  within  the  limits  of  this  Association. 
A  few  years  ago,  under  the  patronage  of  the  State  Con- 
vention, Fdder  R.  B.  Jones  was  sent  to  Charlotte  to  preach. 
Then  the  name  of  a  Baptist  was  a  reproach,  and  a  by-word, 
but  behold  what  God  hath  wrought !  Now  a  beautiful 
temple  is  erected,  in  which  the  word  is  fatthfully  preached  ^ 
every  Sabbath,  and  a  noble  band  of  brothers  and  sisters 
stand  as  living  monuments  of  the  approbation,  and  blessing 
of  God  and  Baptist  ^Missionary  effort.  Let  none,  however, 
conclude,  on  account  of  so  much  being  accomplished  by 
the  various  branches  of  the  Missionary  enterprise,  that  less 
will  be  needed  than  heretofore.  Xo,  indeed,  for  owing  to 
the  apathy  of  the  churches  the  Missionary  operations  are 
very  much  circumscribed  for  the  want  of  means.  The  va- 
rious Boards  have  done  what  they  could,  yet  there  is  still 
an  alarming  state  of  spiritual  destitution,  both  at  home  and 
abroad.  !Many  calls  for  ?^Iissionary  aid  still  remain  unan- 
swered. And  why  is  it  so?  Tliere  is  money  enough  in  our 
churches.  Why,  then,  does  the  cause  of  God  suffer?  Shall 
the  world  perish  because  Christians  love  their  money  and 
themselves  more  than  Christ?  It  is  a  serious  doubt  whether 
one-third  of  the  number  called  Alissionary  Baptist  ever  con- 
tribute to  and  pray  for  the  success  of  ^fissions,  as  is  their 
duty.  Why  is  this  so?  We  need  not  disguise  the  fact  that 
the  people  are  but  partially  aroused  on  this  subject  for  the 
want  of  Alissionary  intelligence.  Experience  has  shown 
that  the  more  fully  and  freely  ^tissionary  information  has 
been  communicated  the  deeper  and  more  extended  has  been 
the  flow  of  Missionary  zeal,  rising  in  the  scale  of  Christian 


70  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

liberality.  All  past  experience  goes  this  way.  We  know 
of  no  exceptions.  In  this  way  the  blessed  revival  of  a  Mis- 
sionary spirit  was  first  awakened  among  ns. 

This  Association  was  a  Baptist  body  at  this  time,  pos- 
sibly more  than  it  is  today.  Many  influences  have  been 
brought  to  bear  upon  us  which  have  made  us  more  compro- 
mising than  we  were  fifty  years  ago.  They  did  not  hesitate 
to  have  a  strong  doctrinal  sermon  preached  at  every  session. 
This  session  expected  one  on  Baptism  by  A.  L.  Stough,  but 
he  had  been  unwell  for  some  time,  and  was  excused.  The 
Association  was  so  anxious  for  him  to  preach  that  they 
insisted  on  him  even  if  he  was  somewhat  feeble,  and  he 
consented  to  preach  on  the  subject  of  missions.  He 
preached  this  sermon  Sunday  morning,  October  9,  1859, 
from  Psa.  ex.  2.  Elder  J.  xV.  Huggins  of  the  Moriah  Asso- 
ciation preached  at  the  same  time  in  a  stand.  The  congre- 
gation was  so  large  it  could  not  get  in  the  house. 

The  Itinerant  Committee  made  a  very  important  report 
at  this  session,  and  since  this  is  a  brief  history  of  Baptist 
beginnings  in  this  section,  we  give  it  as  it  appears  in  the 
minutes  of  1859.  The  reader  should  notice  very  carefully 
the  earnest  expressions  used  in  these  reports,  and  the  sta- 
tistics. We  owe  our  existence  to  the  strenuous  labors  of 
those  humble  servants  of  God. 

Report  of  the  Itinerant  Committee. 
The  Itinerant  Committee  would  respectfully  report: 
That  they  have  kept  their  eye  upon  the  field  destitute  of 
Baptist  preaching  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association  and 
adjoining  country,  and  have  endeavored  to  supply  the  desti- 
tution.    With  some  difHculty  they  procured  the  services  of 


Union  Baptist  Association.  71 

Elders  A.  L.  Stough  and  S.  J.  Fincher.  Elder  Stough  was 
in  the  employment  of  your  Committee  sixty-four  days,  dur- 
ing which  time  he  preached  thirty-eight  sermons,  delivered 
eighteen  exhorotations,  attended  preaching  forty-seven 
days,  stayed  all  night  with  thirty-nine  different  families, 
with  whom  he  held  religious  conversations  and  prayer,  and 
traveled  897  miles. 

Elder  Fincher  was  engaged  in  Itinerant  service  forty- 
one  days,  preached  twenty-eight  sermons  and  traveled  515 
miles.  Our  Fcinerants  have,  with  their  accustomed  zeal  and 
efficiency,  proclaimed  the  Gospel  to  hundreds  who  scarcely 
ever  before  heard  Baptist  preaching.  Your  Committee  are 
fully  satisfied  that  the  prospects  for  good  in  the  Itinerant 
field  are  of  the  most  cheering  character.  For  particulars 
we  refer  3'ou  tp  the  report  of  our  Itinerants. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Wilson  Chambers,. 
K.  C.  Timmons, 

TOWNLEY  ReDFEARN.. 

Report  of  the  Itinerants. 

Dear  Brethren :  The  time  has  arrived  when  it  becomes 
our  duty  to  lay  before  you  some  account  of  our  labors,  as 
your  Itinerants.  We  deem  it  important,  in  the  first  place',, 
to  state  that  the  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  Associa- 
tion to  arrange  preaching  places,  etc.,  for  your  Itinerants, 
neglected  to  discharge  their  duty ;  therefore  we  were  left 
without  instruction,  both  as  to  our  field  of  labor  and  mode 
of  operation.  Flowever,  shortly  after  we  received  our  ap- 
pointment we  made  a  tour  together  through  the  Counties 
of  Union  and  Mecklenburg.     Here  we  found  many  neigh- 


72  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

borhoods  which  were  wholly,  or  almost  wholly,  destitute  of 
preaching.  Indeed,  the  presumption  is  that  two-thirds  of 
our  bounds  are  destitute  of  Baptist  preaching.  We  made 
the  best  arrangenient  we  possibly  could,  under  the  existing 
circumstances.  We  selected  six  of  the  most  wealthy  and 
influential  neighborhoods,  which  points  we  endeavored  to 
supply  with  preaching  twice  a  month.  We  also  held  a  meet- 
ing of  days  in  connection  with  Hickory  Grove  Stand  and 
South  Bethany  congregations.  The  congregations  at  both 
places  were  large  and  attentive.  At  the  former  place  the 
number  assembled  on  the  first  Sunday  in  last  month  could 
not  have  been  less,  we  think,  than  1,500,  and  it  was  soon 
easy  to  perceive  that  a  better  spirit  than  that  of  curiosity 
had  prompted  so  large  an  attendance.  We  are  informed  that 
some  ten  or  twelve  were  hopefully  converted  at  this  place, 
and  some  forty  souls  still  seeking  the  way  of  life  and  salva- 
tion. This  congregation  will,  in  all  probability,  arrange  for 
Baptist  preaching  every  other  Sabbath.  At  this  place  we 
had  the  assistance  of  Elder  J.  F.  ?^IcLure.  South  Bethany 
is  another  important  point.  Here  we  have,  through  the 
generosity  of  a  highly  respected  citizen,  the  use  of  a  chapel 
once  belonging  to  the  Seceder  Church.  We  commenced  a 
meeting  of  days,  including  the  second  Sabbath  in  last  month. 
The  house,  on  Sabbath,  could  accommodate  but  little  more 
than  half  the  people.  Our  people  at  home  might  have  seen 
an  example  here  worthy  of  their  imitation.  A  considerable 
time  before  the  hour  of  preaching  evei"y  man,  w^oman  and 
child  was  seated  in  the  house,  and  the  greater  part  of  them 
engaged  in  singing,  'and  that,  too,  with  the  "spirit  and 
tmderstanding."  \A^e  invariably  commenced  preaching  no 
less  than  one-half  hour  before  the  appointed  time.      The 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.     .  73 

people  waited  for  the  minister,  and  not  the  minister  for  the 
people.  \A'e  have  reason  to  hope,  with  an  humble  and 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  goodness  of  God,  of  hav- 
ing been  the  means  of  saving  souls  from  death  at  this 
point.  Did  we  not  feel  that  there  would  be  an  impropriety 
in  lengthening  this  report  we  would  present  facts  connected 
with  other  points  which  ought  to  lead  the  friends  to  look 
upon  this  cause  with  greater  favor,  and  prompt  them  to 
nobler  acts  of  liberality.  We  think  we  have  said  enough 
to  show  that  the  state  of  the  Itinerancy,  notwithstanding  it 
is  comparative!}^  in  its  infancy,  is  highly  encouraging,  and 
presents  a  striking  example  of  what  may  be  done.  It  must 
be  borne  in  mind  that  much  of  our  labor  has  been  founda- 
tion work,  and  that  with  us  it  is  still  seed  time.  We  are 
not  to  expect  the  rich  harvests  or  the  abundant  crops 
before  time  is  given  it  to  grow  and  mature.  In  conclusion. 
we  ask,  shall  this  cause  be  lightly  estimated  by  any  who 
call  themselves  Missionary  Baptists  ?  All  must  clearly  see 
that  to  neglect  this  field  we  neglect  our  best  interest  and 
safest  policy;  for  the  upholding  of  our  sentiments  here 
will  reflect  strength  and  honor  back  to  ourselves.  It  is  by 
this  course  our  brethren  in  other  associations  have  so  suc- 
cessfully enlarged  their  borders  and  extended  their  prin- 
ciples. I  hope  we  have  too  much  self-respect  to  let  this 
interest  die  for  want  of  patronage.  This,  in  some  quarters. 
has  been  scanty.  Let  the  whole  Baptist  family  embraced 
within  this  Association  rally  around  this  interest — thus  it 
will  send  forth  an  influence  sacred  and  powerful — an  in- 
fluence which  will  glorify  God  in  the  salvation  of  souls. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

A.  L.  Stqugh, 

S.    T-   FiXCHER. 


74  .    History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

A  motion  was  made  to  combine  the  Brown  Creek  and 
the  Pee  Dee  Association,  but  it  was  lost,  and  the  two  were 
left  apart,  as  before. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  Httle  confusion  in  the  Monroe 
church  about  affihating  with  Pedo  Baptists.  They  had  been 
working  together  there,  but  some  one  preached  a  sermon 
on  baptism  and  threw  the  machinery  out  of  gear,  hence  a 
query  came  up  with  the  letter  from  that  church,  to-wit: 
Is  pulpit  affiliation  with  Pedo  Baptists  right?  This  was  tabled 
for  the  present,  but  was  brought  up  a  little  later  in  the 
session.  The  body  did  not  give  a  direct  answer,  but  post- 
poned the  question  indefinitely. 

An  important  change  came  about  in  this  session.  The 
Wadesboro  church  called  for  a  letter  of  dismission  to  join 
the  Pee  Dee,  and  since  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  was  a  member 
of  this  church,  it  meant  that  the  Association  lost  him,  too. 
Some  very  appropriate  resolutions  were  adopted  concerning 
this  change.  Bro.  Stough  was  a  man  of  exceptional  ability, 
and  it  meant  much  for  him  to  drop  out  of  this  body.  The 
appointment  of  the  Itinerants  was  taken  out  of  the  hands 
of  the  Itinerant  Committee  and  the  Itinerants  were  ap- 
pointed by  the  Association.  They  were  to  have  one  dollar 
and  fifty  cents  a  day,  as  formerly,  and  must  make  reports 
of  all  the  work  done  during  the  year.  An  Itinerant  Com- 
mittee Avas  appointed,  consisting  of  Brethren  D.  Rushing, 
T.  Lee  and  D.  A.  Covington.  Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  was 
chosen  as  the  Associational  Itinerant.  The  territory  to  be 
covered  Avas  left  with  him.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the 
churches  represented  at  this  session  and  the  names  of  the 
delegates : 

Mount  Olive — D.  Rushing,  W.  Chambers,  H.  Grady. 


Qnion  Baptist  Association.  75> 

Monroe — D.    A.    Covington,    W.    Broom,    W.    J.    Wil- 
longhby. 

Faulks— J.  M.  Green,  S.  H.  Parker,  A.  Ashcraft. 

Meadow  Branch — S.  Rowland,  J.  C.  Griffin,  H.  Williams 

Rocky  River — S.  P.  Morton,  C.  Brooks,  Uriah  Staton. 

Mineral  Springs — J.  D.  Green,  S.  Rushing,  T.  K.  Ma- 
ness. 

Shiloh— J.  Hill,  J.  W.  Benton,  S.  Secrest. 

Cross  Roads — Thomas  Griffin. 

Mount  Moriah— L.  H.  Alsobrooks,  W.  M.  Alsobrooks. 
K.  C.  Timmons. 

Philadelphia — J.  Lee,  V.  T.  Chears,  J.  J.  Cox. 

Charlotte— R.  H.  Griffith,  B.  R.  Smith,  W.  A.  Cook. 

Waxhaw — S.  J.  Fincher,  H.  Godfrey,  C.  Broom. 

Pleasant  Valley— C.  J.  Kee,  S.  McLilly,  C.  E.  Austin. 

Olive  Branch — J.  E.  W.  Smith,  J.  J.  Austin,  J.  S.  Bau- 
com. 

Deep  Creek— Wm.  Webb,  P.  T.  Huntley,  W.  D.  Webb 

Elizabeth — J.  Baker,  S.  Baker^  J.  B.  Timmons. 

The  churches  reported  seventy-five  baptisms  this  year 
and  a  total  membership  of  one  thousand  and  forty-two. 

We  notice  a  strange  thing  in  the  list  of  churches  given- 
this  year.  In  the  session  of  1858  a  new  church  constitutea- 
in  July  was  received.  It  was  called  Buck  Hill.  In  this  ses- 
sion no  mention  is  made  of  this  church  in  any  way  at  all,, 
but  a  new  church,  Pleasant  Valley,  is  on  the  list,  and  since 
there  is  no  record  of  its  being  received  we  conclude  that  the- 
Buck  Hill  church  changed  its  name  to  Pleasant  Valley. 
There  was  an  old  church  by  this  name,  but  all  records  of  it 
have  been  lost.  Since  we  cannot  find  anything  better  than 
the  above,  we  give  it  that  Buck  Hill  became  Pleasant  Val- 


76  History  of  the  Broayx  Creek 

ley,  and  yet  there  is  much  difference  between  a '  hill  and 
a  valley.* 

The  session  of  1860  was  held  v.'ith  Waxhaw  Baptist 
church  October  12,  1916.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  from  Mar.  5  :47,  "What  do 
ye  more  than  they?"  An  intermission  was  given.  The 
Aloderator  then  called  the  sixth  session  of  the  Brown  Creek 
Association  to  order.  The  letters  were  read  by  Elders  A. 
L.  Stough  and  R.  H.  Griffith.  The  following  churches  were 
represented  and  delegates  were  present : 

]\Iount  Olive — \\\  Chambers,  T.  Redfearn. 

Monroe — D.  A.  Covington.  J.  F.  IMcLure,  B.  Chears. 

Faulks — A.  Ashcraft,  S.  H.  Parker,  J.  C.  ]\Iyers. 

Meadow^  Branch — A\'.  J-  T.  Alask,  John  C.  Williams, 
C.  P.  Griffin. 

Rocky  River — Uriah  Staton. 

Cross  Roads — Thos.  M.  Griffin. 

Mount  ]\Ioriah — K.  C.  Timmons,  L.  H.  Alsobrooks. 

Philadelphia — Y.  T.  Chears,  J.  J.  Cox. 

]\Iineral  Springs — John  D.  Green. 

Charlotte— R.  H.  Griffith,  L.  H.  Smith. 

Waxhaw — S.  J.  Fincher.  T.  AA\  Saunders.  J.  C.  Austin. 

Pleasant  A'alley — T.  W.  Kendrick. 

Olive  Branch— J.  E.  Smith,  C.  W.  Baucom,  H.  R.  Pritch- 
ard. 

Deep  Creek— AA\  D.  \A'ebb,  Elijah  Huntley,  A.  J.  John- 
son. 

Elizabeth— T.  AT.  Baker. 

Shiloh — X.  Funderburk,  Osborne  Harget. 


^Note  what  is  said  about  it  on  a  former  page. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  77 

The  following  were  elected  to  fill  the  offices:  D.  A. 
Covington,  Moderator;  B.  Chears,  Clerk,  and  W.  Cham- 
bers, Treasurer.  The  Executive  Committee  were :  D.  A. 
Covington  and  R.  H.  Griffith.  Elders  S.  J.  Fincher,  A.  L. 
Stough.  E.  L.  Davis  and  P.  Snider  were  appointed  asso- 
ciational  missionaries.  Several  visiting  brethren  were  pres- 
ent at  this  session.  Among  them  was  the  distinguished 
Elder  Thomas  ^lason  of  the  Charleston  Association,  who- 
made  a  thrilling  speech  on  "The  Importance  of  Building  a 
Church  House  at  Lancasterville,*  S.  C."  Several  contributed 
to  the  enterprise. 

The  aged  J.  T.  Copeland  was  present  from  the  Moriah 
Association.     The  brethren  gave  him  a  purse  of  $18. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  Associa- 
tion: 

Resolved,  That  the  churches  composing  this  Association 
be  affectionately  requested  to  appoint  three  delegates  from 
each  church  to  meet  with  the  ministers  in  the  bounds  of 
this  Association  at  Mount  Olive,  Anson  County,  N.  C,  on 
Friday  before  the  next  fifth  Sunday,  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  Union  Meeting.  Elder  S.  Head  was  ap- 
pointed to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  and  Elder  A.  L. 
Stough  the  missionary  sermon. 

This  is  the  first  notice  given  of  a  Union  Meeting.  Be- 
fore this  time  the  Association  Avas  the  only  general  meet- 
ing of  the  churches. 

The  former  Clerk  of  this  Association  died  during  this 
year.  Some  very  appropriate  resolutions  were  offered  rela- 
tive to  his  work  as  a  Christian  and  as  Clerk  of  this  body. 
We  refer  to  Bro.  J.  M.  Green. 

*This  is  now  Lancaster, 


■'78  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Elder  A.  L.  Stough  preached  the  annual  sermon  on  Bap- 
tism, taking  for  a  text  ]\Iatt.  iii.  13,  "Then  cometh  Jesus  from 
Galilee  to  Jordon  unto  John  to  be  baptized  of  him."  The 
minutes  declare  that  he  preached  with  more  than  his  accus- 
tomed ability  and  zeal,  and  although  the  day  was  very  cool, 
the  large  congregation  listened  patiently  to  him  for  the 
space  of  two  hours.  Many  of  his  hearers  were  deeply  af- 
fected. 

To  show  how  arduous  were  the  labors  of  the  old  servants 
of  God  who  planted  the  standard  of  Calvary  in  this  section 
we  give  the  Itinerant's  report  for  this  year.  This  was  made 
by  Elder  S.  J.  Fincher. 

Itinerant's  Report. 

Dear  Brethren :  According  to  a  resolution  of  the  Brown 
Creek  Association,  it  becomes  my  duty  to  submit  to  you  my 
annual  reports  as  your  Missionary.  I  have  been  everywhere 
kindly  received  and  encouraged.  Our  cause  is  undoubtedly 
advancing,  much  of  the  former  prejudice  has  been  removed. 
I  have- had  calls  enough  for  four  or  five  active  and  zealous 
missionaries.  The  friends  at  the  Black  Stand  (be  it  said 
to  their  praise)  have  built  a  comfortable  house  of  worship. 
The  brethren  and  sisters  of  this  place  desire  to  be  consti- 
tuted into  a  regular  Baptist  church.  The  congregation  at 
South  Bethany  continues  large  and  attentive,  and  have  made 
arrangements  for  Baptist  preaching  without  any  further 
assistance  from  the  Association. 

Owing  to  the  distance,  and  the  many  pressing  calls 
nearer  home,  I  have  in  some  degree  neglected  Hickory 
Grove  Stand  congregation.  I  intended  to  make  up  this 
loss   by  holding  protracted   meetings   at   this   place,   but   I 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  79 

failed  in  securing  the  assistance  of  Brother  Stough,  which 
I  regret  very  much,  for  he  can  in  my  opinion  do  more  good 
in  this  field  than  any  other  man. 

There  are  several  other  important  points  which  I  cannot 
mention  now.  for  fear  my  report  will  be  too  long.  The 
Macedonian  cry  is  heard  in  almost  every  direction,  "Come 
over  and  help  us." 

As  your  missionary  I  have  traveled  130  days,  during 
which  time  I  preached  190  sermons,  visited  85  families, 
with  whom  I  held  religious  conversation  and  prayer,  and 
traveled  1,660  miles. 

Elder  A.  L.  Stough  labored  faithfully  with  me  in  pro- 
tracted meetings  22  days  with  good  effect.  By  request  he 
preached  a  sermon  on  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  Bap- 
tist church,  which  has  induced  several  to  change  their  senti- 
ments, and  manifest  a  preference  for  the  Baptist  church. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

S.  J.   FiNCHER. 

Elder  J.  F.  McLure  was  appointed  colporter  for  the 
Association.  His  appointment  was  to  be  endorsed  by  the 
Baptist  State  Convention.  He  was  to  travel  throughout 
the  bounds  of  the  Association  and  distribute  books,  tracts, 
etc.,  and  talk  and  pray  with  everyone  possible.  His  work 
was  in  no  way  to  conflict  with  that  of  the  Itinerants.  This 
was  a  splendid  movement,  and  we  feel  sure  that  it  resulted 
in  much  good  to  the  cause  of  Christ  in  this  Association. 
We  need  a  thing  of  this  kind  today.  AVe  are  able  to  do 
this  work  now  ;  then  it  was  a  struggle.  They  had  the  en- 
thusiasm ;  we  have  it  not. 


80  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  Sessions  of  1861-1864. — The  Bloody  Period — Reli- 
gion ON  the  Decline — Nearly  All  of  the  Males  in 
the  War — Gloom  Over  Our  Country. 

The  session  of  1861  was  held  at  Philadelphia  Baptist 
church,  beginning  October  11th  and  continuing  until  the 
13th. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  S.  J. 
Fincher  from  Exodus  xiv.  15.  "Speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  they  go  forward." 

The  usual  order  of  business  was  followed.  One  new 
church  presented  a  letter.  It  was  Bethel,  which  had  been 
recently  organized.  This  letter  was  presented  by  the  dele- 
gates, S.  H.  Parker,  James  Bivens  and  J.  S.  Marsh.  The 
church  was  unanimously  received.  The  officers  of  the  for- 
mer session  were  elected.  The  following  churches  were 
represented  by  the  delegates  whose  names  appear  opposite 
the  name  of  the  church  : 

Mount  Olive — T.  Redfeam,  R.  D.  Rushing,  T.  L.  Doster. 
Monroe — D.  A.  Covington,  B.  Chears,  J.  E.  ]\IcLure. 
Faulks — T.  G.  Myers.  W.  Newsom. 
Meadow  Branch — H.  Bivens,  Jas.  C.  Williams. 
Rocky  River— S.  P.  Morton,  R.  N.  Allen,  Uriah  Staton. 
Cross  Roads — Thos.  Griffin. 

Mt.  Moriah— K.  C.  Timmons,  L.  H.  Alsobrooks,  W.  H. 
Alsobrooks. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  81 

Philadelphia — J.  P.  Gathings,  J.  Lee,  B.  Parker. 

Mineral  Springs — S.  J-  Fincher.  J.  D.  Green,  S.  Rushing. 

Charlotte — Xo  delegates. 

Waxhaw — R.  S.  Huntley,  T.  W.  Saunders,  S.  Head. 

Pleasant  Valley — Xo  delegates. 

Olive  Branch — J.  E.  W.  Smith.  G.  W.  Baucom,  J.  S. 
Baucom. 

Deep  Creek— Elijah  Huntley,  Elisha  Gullege,  A.  J.  John- 
son. 

Elizabeth— T.  AI.  Baker. 

Shiloh — S.  B.  Thompson,  Abraham  Helms. 

The  colporter,  J.  F.  !\IcLure,  reported  sixty  days'  work, 
during  which  time  he  preached  twenty-one  sermons,  visited 
eighty-four  families,  gave  away  nine  Bibles,  distributed 
nineteen  hundred  and  forty-six  pages  of  tracts,  sold  $125 
worth  of  religious  books,  traveled  five  hundred  and  six 
miles,  and  had  four  Sabbath  schools  organized,  sold  two 
Sabbath  school  libraries,  and  still  had  $150  worth  of  good 
books  on  hand. 

Since  this  Association  now  has  a  magnificent  high  school, 
it  is  very  necessary  that  we  notice  how  it  came  about.  For 
us  to  do  this  we  must  see  the  spirit  of  those  who  labored 
here  before  our  day.  They  believed  in  education,  and  did 
all  they  could  to  promote  it. 

The  following  report,  prepared  by  Bro.  B.  Chears, 
shows  just  how  this  body  stood  on  the  question  of  educa- 
tion in  1861.    It  is  a  splendid  report,  as  you  may  see: 

"Education,  in  the  largest  acceptation  of  the  term,  is  the 
training  of  our  whole  nature,  and  begins  at  home  in  the 
nursery.     In  its  more  restricted  and  common  use,  educa- 

6 


82  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

tion  is  the  cultivation  of  the  intellect,  that  noble  endowment 
by  which  we  take  in  a  knowledge  of  all  things  in  the  mate- 
rial and  moral  world. 

I  shall  not  stop  here  to  urge  the  importance  of  general 
education  in  a  worldly  point  of  view,  for  that  is  felt  and 
acknowledged  by  all.  A  taste  for  learning  is  rapidly  dif- 
fusing itself  throughout  our  country,  and  parents  are  gen- 
erally exerting  themselves  to  educate  their  children  in  order 
that  they  may  occupy  an  honorable  and  profitable  position 
in  society. 

But  while  we  as  parents  are  anxious  about  the  educa- 
tion of  our  children,  we  as  Baptists  seem  to  be  very  indif- 
ferent about  the  education  of  our  ministers.  If  there  is 
any  interest  that  we  should  love  and  cherish  it  is  that  of 
an  educated  ministry.  Where  should  we  desire  to  find 
learning  if  not  among  our  ministers?  What  work  is  there 
that  requires  superior  wisdom  and  profounder  knowledge 
than  that  of  preaching  the  gospel  ?  To  ministers  belong 
the  dispensing  of  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
— the  rightly  dividing  of  the  word  of  truth,  and  the  unravel- 
mg  and  explaining  to  a  perplexed  enquirer  the  mysterious 
portions  of  the  Bible.  ^Ministers  are  expected  to  understand 
the  most  abstruse  dialect  spoken  on  earth,  to  grapple  with 
the  strongest  S3'stem  of  idolatry,  to  assail  the  acutest  philos- 
ophers— to  war  with  the  most  inveterate  prejudices — to  con- 
fute the  most  learned  and  plausible  creeds  of  infidelity, 
and  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  with  such  power  and 
efifect  that  Christians  will  be  revived,  backsliders  reclaimed, 
atheists  confounded,  deists  astonished,  and  the  proud  heart 
of  rebellious  sinners  brought  with  meek  submission  to  the 
cross  of  Jesus. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  83 

And  how  can  all  this  be  done  save  by  men  who  study 
and  are  inured  to  habits  of  investigation?  And  to  study 
and  investigate  to  advantage,  the  mind  of  the  minister  must 
be  properly  cultivated. 

Besides  the  above  considerations  so  hastily  referred  to 
we  would  add  that  the  greatest  difficulty  we  have  to  con- 
tend with  in  supplying  these  places  destitute  of  Baptist 
preaching  arises  from  the  want  of  ministers  possessing  the 
necessary  qualifications.  Can  an  unlearned  preacher  suc- 
cessfully introduce  the  cardinal  principles  of  our  church 
into  an  intelligent  community  where  he  must  ever  be  con- 
tending with  the  ministers  of  denominations  who  possess 
all  the  advantages  of  a  thorough  education  ?  Certainly  not. 
That  preachers  of  limited  literary  attainments  have  been 
eminently  useful,  we  are  happy  to  know  and  ready  to  admit. 
We  would  cast  no  reflection  on  these  excellent  men.  But 
most  of  them  feel  the  great  disadvantage  under  which  they 
labor,  and  know  full  well  that  their  arduous  efforts  would 
have  been  more  efficient  and  commanding  had  their  minds 
been  thoroughly  trained  for  the  great  work.  The  time  was 
when  there  was  but  little  attention  paid  to  the  cultivation 
of  the  mind,  but  we  now  live  in  an  age  of  general  improve- 
ment. Every  department  of  the  arts  and  sciences  is  receiv- 
ing a  new  impulse,  and  education  is  shedding  a  powerful 
influence  over  all  civilization,  and  knowledge  and  learning 
are  diffusing  themselves  throughout  the  whole  country. 

Other  denominations,  seeing  the  great  improvement  of 
the  age,  are  sending  out  in  every  direction  their  ministers 
with  enlarged  views  and  liberal  education,  and  the  world, 
becoming  refined  and  intelligent,  will  go  out  to  hear  those 
men  preach  the  word  of  God,  who  possess  the  most  com- 


84  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

manding  talents  and  the  best  cultivated  minds.  Then,  if 
we  wish  to  sustained  ourselves  as  a  great  denomination, 
we,  too,  must  thoroughly  train  the  minds  of  our  ministers 
and  enable  them  to  keep  pace  with  the  general  and  increas- 
ing intelligence  of  the  age." 

A  very  interesting  paper  was  presented  by  Elder  A.  L. 
Stough.  It  was  on  the  "Nature  and  Design  of  An  Associa- 
tion."   We  give  it  as  it  appeared  in  the  minutes  of  1861 : 

I  beg  leave  to  offer  the  following,  which  was  drawn  up 
by  the  direction  of  the  Dover  Baptist  Association,  Virginia, 
b}'  a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  recom- 
mended by  the  Association  as  a  help  to  the  churches  at  the 
session  held  in  1824: 

1.  An  Association  consists  of  delegates  or  messengers 
from  different  churches,  which  have  agreed  to  associate 
together,  at  stated  times,  for  the  purpose  of  vmiting  their 
deliberations  and  counsels,  in  order  to  promote  their  own 
spiritual  interests  and  the  good  of  the  common  cause. 

2.  An  Association  is  considered  by  us  merely  in  the 
light  of  an  advising  council,  for  as,  according  to  our  views, 
the  independence  of  churches,  and  their  consequent  right 
of  self-government,  are  clearly  established  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament, no  authority  is  vested  in  an  Association  to  enforce 
their  decisions  on  the  churches,  nor  can  they  inflict  any 
other  penalty  on  a  church  than  that  of  exclusion  from  their 
body  as  an  Association. 

3.  It  is  the  province  of  an  Association  to  deliberate  on 
all  such  matters  as  may  be  proposed  by  the  churches  com- 
posing that  body,  as  well  as  on  others  which  may  be  reg- 
ularly suggested  among  themselves,  as  conducive  to  the 
general  interest  of  Zion  or  the  particular  interest  of  any 


Union  Baptist  Association.  85 

part  of  the  body,  and  to  offer  the  result  of  their  united  de- 
Hberations,  by  way  of  advice  to  the  churches. 

4.  Though,  we  before  stated,  the  Association  can  as- 
sume no  power  to  enforce  these  counsels  or  decisions,  it  is 
certainly  due  from  the  churches  to  pay  a  respectful  atten- 
tion to  the  advice  thus  offered  them,  and  not  wilfully  to 
slight,  or  negligently  to  overlook,  what  they  have  reason  to 
believe  is  the  fruit  of  good  will  towards  them,  and  of  zeal 
for  the  cause  of  God. 

Many  have  forgotten  the  real  purpose  of  the  Associa- 
tion, so  we  give  the  above  to  "stir  up"  the  pure  minds  of 
the  brethren  by  way  of  remembrance. 

This  year  saw  the  beginning  of  the  terrible  war  between 
the  States.  At  this  time  it  looked  like  the  South  was  going 
to  whip  the  North.  Only  a  few  of  our  men  had  fallen  ; 
our  homes  had  not  been  made  to  feel  the  pangs  of  war  to 
any  great  extent,  but  gloom  was  settling  down  on  many 
things,  and  a  few  were  beginning  to  realize  that  darker 
days  were  before  us.  In  the  report  on  Requests  and  Quer- 
ies we  find  the  following :  'Tn  the  letter  of  correspondence 
from  the  Moriah  Association  we  find  it  recommended  that 
the  second  Sabbath,  at  10  a.  m.  in  each  month,  be  set  apart 
for  special  prayer  for  the  welfare  of  our  soldiers  and  the 
good  of  our  country.''  A  motion  was  made  that  the  body 
meet  at  9  o'clock  Sunday  to  hold  special  prayer  for  our 
country  and  our  soldiers.  The  motion  was  carried.  This 
was  during  the  morning  session,  and  before  the  afternoon 
session  was  closed  another  motion  was  made  requesting 
each  church  in  the  Association  to  spend  one  hour  in  prayer 
for  our  soldiers  on  regular  meeting  days.  The  question  was 
not  settled,  but  when  the  body  met  INIonday  morning  it  was 


86  HiSTouv  OF  THE  Browx  Creek 

brought  up  again,  and  the  following  was  agreed  upon : 
The  churches  of  this  Association  are  hereby  recommended 
to  spend  one  hour  in  special  prayer  in  behalf  of  our  sol- 
diers and  country  on  the  Sabbath  of  their  regular  preach- 
ing. This  shows  how  sorrow  was  coming  upon  our  people. 
They  naturally  turn  to  God  in  prayer  when  they  are  in 
trouble.  On  Sunday  at  10  o'clock  a  large  congregation 
assembled  under  the  Arbor  and  spent  one  hour  in  prayer  for 
our  soldiers,  Elders  S.  P.  Morton,  S.  J.  Fincher  and  A.  L. 
Stough  leading.  Before  the  session  closed  several  warm 
speeches  were  made,  especially  by  Elder  S.  Head  and  Elder 
A.  L.  Stough.  The  Moderator  made  some  remarks  also. 
After  this  it  was  resolved  by  the  body  that  the  brethren 
and  friends  present  be  invited  to  assist  in  supplying  the 
North  Carolina  soldiers  with  the  word  of  life,  or  with  Bibles 
and  Testaments,  and  $34.25  was  subscribed  before  the  As- 
sociation adjourned.  This  was  a  trying  time  on  our  denomi- 
nation, but  we  passed  through  it  all,  and  still  live.  A  very 
noted  preacher  attended  this  session.  It  was  Elder  B.  F. 
Whilden,  formerly  a  missionary  to  China.  He  took  Elder 
Stough's  place  on  Sunday  and  preached  a  stirring  sermon 
on  Missions  from  a  text  found  in  Daniel  ii.  44.  A  collection 
was  taken,  amounting  to  $12.65.  This  service  was  under 
the  old  Arbor.  Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  preached  at  the  same 
time  in  the  house. 

In  the  report  on  Requests  and  Queries  we  find  that  the 
Monroe  church  v/as  considering  building  a  parsonage.  They 
asked  the  Association  to  aid  them  in  this  notable  enterprise. 
This  was  the  first  parsonage  ever  planned  by  a  church  in 
this  Association,  and  seemed  to  have  appealed  very  forcibly 
to  the  brethren,  as  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  was  appointed  to 


Union  Baptist  Association.  87 

solicit  subscriptions  for  it.  T.  Redfearn,  J.  Lee  and  A.  L. 
Stough  were  appointed  to  confer  with  Bro.  W.  A.  Coving- 
ton to  ascertain  the  cost  of  the  contemplated  parsonage  and 
the  terms  of  subscription.  We  suppose  the  enterprise  was 
a  success,  as  a  parsonage  was  built.  We  cannot  say  that 
it  was  built  at  this  time,  but  they  had  one  here  at  an  early 
date,  so  this  move  must  have  resulted  in  the  erection  of  it. 

The  entire  /\ssociation  raised  the  following  amounts  for 
the  objects  to  which  they  then  contributed:  Home  Mis- 
sions, $83 ;  Ministers,  $27.20;  Colportage,  $18.02.  They 
were  in  such  a  financial  strain  then  that  one  dollar  meant 
more  to  them  than  ten  dollars  means  to  us  today.  We 
think  we  have  increased  in  liberality,  and  in  some  cases  we 
have,  but  those  old  brethren  were  poor  and  could  not  get 
money  so  easily  as  we  can.  I  believe  they  were  more  lib- 
eral than  we.  The  Association  at  this  time  consisted  of 
seventeen  churches,  eleven  pastors,  and  had  thirty-eight 
delegates  present.  During  the  year  fifty  had  been  added  by 
baptism,  thirty-nine  by  letter,  and  two  were  restored.  The 
Association  made  a  net  gain  of  fifteen.  It  now  had  1,084- 
members. 

The  session  of  1862  was  held  with  Deep  Creek  Church 
October  10th.  Everything  at  this  time  showed  signs  of 
war.  The  minutes  were  very  poorly  printed,  and  do  not 
contain  much  matter.  Two  of  the  leading  figures  of  this 
Association  were  in  the  war.  We  refer  to  Elder  A.  L. 
Stough,  who  was  a  chaplain  in  the  Confederate  army  at 
this  time,  and  Bro.  R.  D.  Rushing  was  a  soldier.  Bro. 
Stough  had  been  so  active  in  this  Association  until  he  be- 
came a  part  of  it,  so  when  he  missed  it  caused  quite  a  gap 
in  the  body. 


88  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  following-  delegates  were  enrolled : 

Mount  Olive — T.  Red f earn,  W.  Chambers,  O.  T,  Col- 
lins. 

Monoe — D.  A.  Covington. 

Meadow  Branch — J.  Perry,  S.  Rowland,  J.  C.  Griffin. 
Faulks — W.  Newsome,  J.  Myers. 
.   Rocky  River— S.  P.  Morton,  N.  Staton,  R.  N.  Allen. 
Cross  Roads — T.  Griffin. 

Mount  Moriah — S.  H.  Alsobrook.  K.  C.  Timmons. 
Philadelphia — J.  P.  Gathings,  \'.  T.  Chears. 
Mineral  Springs — S.  J.  Fincher,  S.  Rushing,  J.  D.  Green. 
Charlotte — Not  represented. 
Waxhaw — W.  Godfrey,  S.  Head,  T.  Barnes. 
Pleasant  Valley- — Not  represented. 

Olive  Branch — J.  J.  Austin,  J-  S.  Baucom,  C.  T.  Baucom. 
Deep  Creek — G.  Huntley,  W.  AA>bb,  E.  Gullege. 
Elizabeth — J.  Baker,  C.  Hendrick,  W.  Brantley. 
Shiloh — J.  F.  ]\IcLure,  by  proxy. 
Bethel — A.  Ashcraft,  J.  Bivens,  S.  H.  Parker. 

The  election  of  officers  for  the  session  resulted  in  D.  A. 
Covington,  Moderator,  and  V.  T.  Chears,  Clerk.  W.  Cham- 
bers resigned  as  Treasurer  and  T.  Red f earn  was  elected  in 
his  stead.  No  new  church  petitioned  for  membership  at 
this  session. 

The  visiting  brethren  were  very  scarce  at  this  session. 
The  only  ones  we  find  were  Elder  Thomas  Mason  and 
Elder  B.  F.  Whilden  from  the  Charleston  Association.  The 
Sabbath  was  very  rainy.  But  few  people  gathered.  Elder 
B.  F.  Whilden  entertained  those  who  came  in  the  church 
house.  None  of  the  Associational  sermons  were  preached; 
there  was  no  collection  for  missions. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  89 

The  first  report  on  Foreign  Missions  was  made  at  this 
session.  We  give  the  report  in  full  because  of  this.  It 
is  a  piece  of  literature  that  ought  to  be  preserved.  It  was 
gotten  out  by  Elder  S.  Head,  or  we  suppose  it  was.  The 
minutes  of  this  session  are  so  poor  that  we  cannot  deter- 
mine much  by  them.  The  following  is  the  report  as  pub- 
lished in  the  minutes : 

Essay  on  Foreign  Missions. 

Dear  Brethren :  Allow  me  to  offer  a  few  remarks  on 
Missions  from  the  following  Scripture :  "That  we  might 
be  fellow-helpers  to  the  truth." — Third  Epistle  of  John, 
first  chapter,  latter  clause  of  the  eighth  verse. 

In  the  context  the  beloved  disciple,  John,  was  com- 
mending the  piety  and  hospitality  of  Gains,  whom  he  loved 
much  in  the  truth.  The  apostle  expresses  a  very  earnest 
wish  that  he  might  prosper  in  temporal  as  well  as  spiritual 
things ;  to  use  hospitality,  even  to  a  stranger,  was  a  Chris- 
tian duty  much  insisted  on  by  the  early  disciples.  It  was 
regarded  as  a  proof  of  discipleship.  The  apostle  Paul,  in 
speaking  of  the  qualifications  of  deacons,  uses  the  follow- 
ing language :  'T  have  washed  the  Saint's  feet,"  etc. — 1 
Tim.,  5th  chap.,  10th  v.  The  apostle  expresses  great  joy 
at  hearing  the  conduct  of  this  beloved  disciple  towards  these 
brethren  who  evidently  were  missionaries  to  the  Gentiles  to 
bring  them  forward  in  this  way  was  doing  well.  These 
brethren  had  left  all  for  the  kingdom  of  Heaven's  sake. 
They  had  consecrated  themselves  holy  to  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ;  hence,  to  forward  them  on  their  way, 
was  to  aid  in  the  glorious  work  of  extending  the  Redeem- 
er's kingdom  on  earth.    If,  then,  Gaius  done  a  good  work — 


90  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

if  he  had  aided  in  carrying  forward  the  truth — the  apostle 
adds  that  we  should  do  likewise,  that  we  might  be  fellow- 
helpers  to  the  truth  by  the  truth.  Here  is  meant  the  Word 
of  God,  that  Word  which  the  apostle  Paul  declares  to  be 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth, 
etc.  But  the  worthy  apostle  included  himself  and  all  true 
disciples  of  Christ,  and  we  conclude  from  this  that  what- 
ever was  the  duty  of  Christians  then  is  the  duty  of  Chris- 
tians now,  but  should  any  doubt,  we  think  these  words, 
viz.,  "If  any  man  will  be  my  disciple  let  him  deny  him- 
f,e\i,  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me."  Luke  ix.,  23.  Hlere 
the  Savior  makes  it  binding  upon  the  disciples  to  follow 
him.  He  does  not  say  of  Peter,  James,  or  John,  but  if  any 
man.  Hence  no  particular  individual  is  meant,  but  all  who 
will  be  his  disciples  must  use  a  self-denial — must  bear  the 
Cross — must  come  after  him,  not  for  a  short  time,  not  dur- 
ing a  revival,  nor  even  for  a  day,  but  it  must  be  an  every- 
day business — "Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,"  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  blessed  Master — Rev.  ii.  10.  Follow  me.  Oh, 
how  much  is  meant  by  this  expression.  Follow  Him,  who 
left  the  shining  courts  of  glory — Him  who,  though  He  was 
rich,  vet  for  our  sake  became  poor  that  we,  through  His 
poverty  might  be  rich — H.  Cor.  viii.  9.  Yes,  we  are  brethren, 
and  to  follow  Him  who  said  freely  ye  have  received  freely 
give  him  who  led  a  life  of  self-denial  and  poverty  that  he 
might  enrich  others — denied  himself  a  place  where  to  lay 
his  head  that  we  might  possess  a  home  forever  in  heaven — 
Him  who  said,  he  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than 
me  is  not  worthy  of  me,  etc. — Matt.  x.  37. 

And  now,  my  brethren  of  Brown  Creek  Association,  in 
conclusion,  allow  me  to  propound  a  few  questions  for  our 


Union  Baptist  Association,  91 

mutual  benefit :  Are  we  walking'  in  the  truth  like  the  be- 
loved Gaius?  Are  we  helping  forward  the  heralds  of  the 
cross  ?  Do  we  receive  such  ?  Do  we  administer  to  their 
bodily  wants?  Do  we  inquire  for  them,  that  their  hands 
may  be  strengthened?  Do  we  live  a  life  of  self-denial? 
Are  we  bearing  our  cross  after  him — Christ?  Do  we  fol- 
low him,  our  leader,  fully?  Like  him,  is  it  our  meat  and 
drink  to  do  our  heavenly  father's  will  ?  Are  we  like  him, 
constantly  going  about  doing  good?  Do  we  remember  the 
words  of  our  blessed  Master,  "That  it  is  more  blessed  to 
give  than  to  receive"  ?  Do  we  remember  him  who  though 
was  rich  yet  for  our  sake  became  poor,  that  we,  through 
his  poverty,  might  be  rich  ?  Do  we  remember  the  com- 
mand of  our  Lord,  which  is  just  in  the  form  of  an  exhorta- 
tion, ''Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give"?  In  short,  are 
we  influenced  by  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  endeavoring 
to  imitate  the  good  example  of  Gaius,  that  we  may  thus 
be  fellow-helpers  to  the  truth?  Have  we,  in  imitation  of 
our  Lord  and  Master,  dedicated  ourselves,  our  time,  our 
■  property,  our  all,  to  the  great  work  of  converting  the  world 
to  God?  Do  we  recognize  the  great  truth  that  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  are  to  be  converted  to  God  through  the 
instrumentality  of  the  Church? — that  the  church  is  com- 
posed of  old  converted  individuals  living  in  obedience  to  the 
commands  of  Christ  as  given  in  the  New  Testament.  If, 
then,  the  Church  is  compared  to  a  body  of  which  Christ 
is  the  head,  it  follows,  most  certainly,  that  all  the  members 
will  be  influenced  and  controlled  by  the  head.  Are  we  in- 
fluenced by  the  will  of  God  in  all  that  we  do,  as  members 
of  the  Church,  as  members  of  the  Brown  Creek  Associa- 
tion?    If  so,  the  time  is  near  at  hand  when  we  shall  reap 


92  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

a  glorious  reward  in  heaven ;  but  if  not,  in  vain  do  we 
profess  to  be  his  disciples,  in  vain  do  we  meet  as  an  Asso- 
ciation of  Churches. 

May  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  help  us  to  awake 
from  our  lethargy,  that  we  so  labor  as  to  be  fellow-helpers 
to  the  truth. 

The  following  jeport  is  of  interest : 

Report  on  Requests  and  Queries. 

The  Committee  on  Requests  and  Queries  make  the  fol- 
lowing report: 

In  looking  over  and  examining  the  letters  sent  up  to 
this  Association  by  the  different  churches  composing  this 
body,  we  find  in  the  greater  number  of  them  an  earnest 
request  that  prayer  "may  be  made  by  the  Association  for 
them.  We  find  in  the  general  features  of  the  letters  sent 
up  by  the  churches  to  this  Association,  and  impressive  of 
deep  feeling,  a  voice  of  mourning,  lamentation  and  woe. 
They  bring  up  afresh  in  our  minds  that  we  are  in  the  midst 
of  a  cruel  war,  and  point  to  the  fact  that  some  of  their  loved 
ones  have  fallen  by,  and  some  are  yet  exposed  to  the  rav- 
ages of  war.  Dear  brethren,  this  should  prove  us — Him 
who  is  the  source  of  all  help  and  a  sure  support  in  every 
time  of  need.  Then,  to  the  God  of  battles  and  of  nations, 
let  our  most  fervent  aspirations  and  prayers  arise  in  the 
behalf  of  our  beloved  country  and  loved  ones.  We  see 
nothng  further  of  interest  expressed  in  these  letters  sent 
up,  and  have  nothing  more  for  the  present  to  bring  to  the 
notice  of  your  body. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

October  11,  1862.  S.  H.  Alsobrooks,  Chairman. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  93 

The  clerk  got  his  manuscript  lost  in  his  first  attempt  at 
getting  the  minutes  published  and  had  to  prepare  a  second 
manuscript.  He  could  not  get  all  his  data,  so  the  minutes 
are  incomplete.  There  are  no  minutes  of  1863  and  1864, 
so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  determine.  If  minutes  were 
published  they  are  lost.  These  sessions  met,  but  we  cannot 
say  what  they  did. 

The  session  of  1863  met  with  Mount  Olive  church.. 
Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  preached  the  introductory  sermon.  We 
are  sorry  that  we  are  not  able  to  ascertain  these  important 
facts.  We  very  much  doubt  that  a  minute  of  either  session 
was  gotten  out. 

The  question  of  feet  washing  was  sprung  in  this  ses- 
sion by  Elder  J.  F.  McLure.  He  offered  the  following  reso- 
lutions :  "Resolved,  that  their  Association  believes  foot 
washing  a  scriptural,  practical  duty  of  the  Church  of  Christ, 
and  earnestly  recommends  its  adoption  by  the  churches  com- 
posing this  body." 

The  resolution  was  lost.  The  brethren  decided  they 
would  not  wash  feet. 

The  minutes  of  this  session  do  not  give  the  membership 
of  the  churches,  nor  the  number  baptized,  so  we  pass  oni 
without  making  any  attempt  toward  this  point. 


94  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Session  of  1865-66 — Reconstruction  Period — Mem- 
bership Not  Decreased — Churches  Feel  Need  of  a 
Revival. 

We  cannot  say  much  about  the  sessions  of  1864.  The 
minutes  cannot  be  found.  The  only  reference  we  have  of 
this  session  is  in  the  minutes  of  1865.  It  is  stated  that 
Elder  A.  L.  Stough  was  Moderator  and  A".  T.  Chears  Clerk. 
We  thought  that  Bro.  Chears  could .  give  us  some  idea  of 
the  session,  and  tell  where  it  was  held,  but  he  has  been  to 
so  many  associations,  and  is  quite  feeble  now,  being  past 
his  eightieth  year,  he  does  not  remember  anything  abovit 
this  session.  The  only  thing  we  have  to  rely  upon  is  the 
file  of  minutes  we  have  secured,  and  since  the  minutes  of 
the  early  sessions  are  so  incomplete  we  just  cannot  give 
anything  that  ought  to  be  mentioned  here. 

The  session  of  1865  met  with  Elizabeth  Baptist  church, 
in  Chesterfield  County,  S.  C.  This  church  was  a  member 
of  this  Association  at  this  time.  It  met  October  6th,  and 
continued  for  four  days.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  S.  P.  Alorton  from  1  John  iv.  8,  "For 
God  is  love."  D.  A.  Covington  was  chosen  for  Moderator 
and  Bro.  W.  D.  Webb  for  Clerk. 

One  new  church  was  admitted  this  time.  It  was  the 
recently  organized  church  at  Deep  Springs,  in  Anson 
County. 


T'xiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  95 

'  The  following  delegates  were  present: 

Monroe — J.  F.  ]\IcLure,  D.  A.  Covington. 

Faulks — AVm.  Xewsome,  R.  Pope,  Wm.  Collins. 

Meadow  Branch — T.  AA'.  Griffin,  J.  Perry. 

Rocky  River — S.  P.  Morton,  J.  Curlee. 

Mineral  Springs — S.  J.  Fincher,  J.  D.  Green,  S.  Rushing. 

Shiloh— J.  W.  Benton. 

Cross  Roads — Xo  delegates. 

Mount  ]\Ioriah — K.  C.  Timmons,  D.  Rushing,  J-  A.  Low- 
ery. 

Philadelphia — \'.  T.  Chears. 

Charlotte — S.  J.  Fincher. 

Waxhaw — Y.  J.  M.  Yarbrough. 

Pleasant  A'alley — A.  L.  Stough.  J.  C.  Russell,  R.  Orr. 

Olive  Branch — G.  AA'.  Baucom,  M.  B.  Simpson.  E. 
Gaddy. 

Deep  Creek— AA\  D.  AA^ebb,  E.  Gullege,  J.  T.  Alarsh. 

Elizabeth— S.  Head.  G.  AV.  Huntley,  J.  Baker. 

Bethel— S.  H.  Parker,  H.  T.  Aleggs.  S.  Ross. 

Concord — Xo  delegates. 

Deep  Springs — J.  Caudle,  J.  Phifer. 

Concord  was  only  a  mission  point  at  this  time.  The  first 
mention  made  of  it  was  in  the  missionary's  report  made  to 
this  body. 

AIissionary's  Report. 

According  to  a  standing  resolution  of  this  Association, 
it  becomes  my  duty  to  lay  before  v'bu  my  Annual  Alission- 
ary  Report.  I  have  labored  with  the  church  at  Concord 
about  three-fourths  of  the  past  associational  vear.  There 
has    been   a    continued    manifestation    on    the    part    of    the 


96  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

church  and  congregation  at  that  place  to  receive  the  truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus;  but  owing  to  the  distracted  condition 
of  the  country  there  has  not  been  that  degree  of  pros- 
perity in  the  church  that  was  anticipated  by  your  Alission- 
ary.  The  congregations  are  large  and  attentive.  Two  mem- 
bers only  have  been  added,  and  one  has  died.  As  the 
church  letter  will  set  forth  the  condition  and  statistics  of 
the  church,  I  will  conclude  this  report  by  humbly  submit- 
ting to  you  the  importance  of  continuing  to  that  lone  church 
your  fostering  care,  by  your  prayers  and  money. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  F.  McLuRE. 

The  Committee  on  Arrangements  offered  a  report  to  be 
a  permanent  guide  for  the  Association  in  the  future,  which, 
on  motion,  was  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  inserted  in  the 
minutes. 

The  following  is  the  report: 

Standing  Rules  of  Order  of  Business. 

1.  Introductory  sermon. 

2.  Association  called   to   order. 

3.  Reading   of  the   Letters    from   the    Churches   and 
Enrolling  the  Names  of  Delegates. 

4.  Election  of  Moderator  and  Clerk. 

5.  Admission  of  New   Churches. 

6.  Invitation   to   Visiting   Brethren   and    Correspond- 
ing Messengers. 

7.  Appointment  of  Committee  on  Finance. 

8.  Appointment  of  Committee  on  Request  and  Quer- 
ies. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  97 

9.     Appointment    of    Committee    on    Religious    Exer- 
cises. 

10.  Report  of  Corresponding  ^lessengers. 

11.  Appointment  of  Corresponding  Messengers. 

12.  Reports — First,  ALissions;  second,  Education;  third, 
Periodicals ;  fourth,  Sabbath  Schools ;  fifth,  Ministerial 
Support. 

13.  Appointment  of  Writers  on  Missions,  Education, 
Peridoicals,  Sabbath  Schools,  and  Ministerial  Support. 

14.  ]\lissionary's  Report. 

15.  Appointment  of  Place  of  Next  Association. 

16.  Appointment  of  Preachers  for  Next  Association. 

17.  Report  of  Committee  on  Finance. 

18.  Report  on  Requests  and  Queries. 

19.  Reports  of  Committees  not  elsewhere  called  for. 

20.  Deferred  and  Unfinished  Business. 

21.  [Miscellaneous  Business. 

22.  Adjournment. 

The  Brown  Creek  Association  had  always  been  very 
careful  to  keep  up  a  correspondence  with  all  the  associa- 
tions around  it.  ^lessengers  were  sent  to  the  ]\loriah,  Pee 
Dee,  Charleston,  Kings  Mountain,  Broad  River,  Welsh 
Neck,  and  the  Yadkin  annually.  They,  in  return,  would 
send  messengers  to  the  Brown  Creek.  This  custom  aided 
greatly  in  keeping  the  associations  interesting.  It  was 
much  better  than  our  present  plan.  The  attendance  was 
large,  but  it  enabled  the  Baptists  to  know  one  another  bet- 
ter than  they  now  do. 

These  messengers  some  times  would  carry  a  letter  with 
them.  This  letter  was  a  report  of  the  w^ork  done  by  the 
churches  of  the  entire  Association.    It  made  the  Association 

7 


98  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

a  little  on  the  order  of  a  State  Convention.  At  the  session 
of  1865  a  motion  was  made  to  append  a  corresponding 
letter  to  each  minute  hereafter;  then, the  minute  could  be 
used,  instead  of  having"  a  letter  prepared  for  each  set  of  mes- 
sengers. That  the  young  Baptists  may  understand  what  is 
meant  by  corresponding  letter  we  give  the  first  one  pre- 
pared for  the  minutes  of  this  Association  by  Elder  A.  L. 
Stough : 

CORRESPOXDIXG   LETTER. 

Dear  Brethren :  Through  a  well-ordered  and  kind  Prov- 
idence we  have  again  been  permitted  to  come  together  as 
an  Association,  to  inquire  after  the  best  means  for  pro- 
moting the  interest  of  our  beloved  Zion,  and  to  transact 
business,  as  we  conceive,  for  the  Lord — business  connected 
with  eternity — in  which  we  are  personally  concerned.  Our 
session  convened  under  favorable  circumstances — the 
weather  very  fine  and  the  delegation  tolerably  full.  One 
new  church  was  admitted.  The  reports  from  the  churches 
show  some  degree  of  prosperity.  Some  of  the  churches 
have  been  blessed  with  revivals  and  considerable  additions 
to  their  members.  The  churches  remain  firm  in  the  great 
doctrines  of  the  gospel. 

The  object  of  this  Epistle  is  not  so  much  to  show  what 
has  been  done — for  this  our  Minutes  show — as  to  invite 
from  you  a  continuance  of  3'our  correspondence  to  the  end 
that  our  Christian  union  may  be  promoted.  A¥e  regard  this 
both  as  a  Christian  privilege  and  a  Christian  duty.  We 
are  sorry  to  say  that  we  had  the  aid  of  only  one  Associa- 
tion— namely,  the  Aloriah.  AA'e  hope,  in  future,  that  our 
sister  associations  will  appoint  such  brethren  as  will  fill  their 
appointments.    We  shall  be  happy,  brethren,  to  receive  your 


Union  Baptist  Association.  99 

visits  as  heretofore.  A\^e  have  appointed  Corresponding 
Messengers,  and  hope  many  of  them  may  be  in  attendance 
at  your  respective  sessions,  for  Christian  fellowship  is 
pleasant,  cheering,  and  encouraging.  Our  next  session  will 
be  held  with  the  Bethel  church.  Union  county,  N.  C,  com- 
mencing on  Friday  before  the  second  Lord's  day  in  Octo- 
ber, 1866. 

That  we  may  be  permitted  to  meet  you  there,  to  pro- 
pose and  execute  for  the  INIaster's  work,  is  our  heartfelt 
prayer. 

Grace,  mercy  and  peace  to  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  in  sincerity  and  truth. 

The  Brown  Creek  Association  at  this  time  was  begin- 
ning to  get  awake  on  the  Sunday  School  question,  and  from 
the  general  tenor  of  the  minutes  there  must  have  been  many 
of  the  churches  without  a  Sunday  School.  i\'Iany  strong 
resolutions  had  been  offered,  and  such  men  as  Stough,  ]\Ic- 
Lure,  Davis  and  Head  had  made  appeal  after  appeal  for 
the  establishment  of  schools  in  every  church.  At  this  ses- 
sion a  resolution  was  made  to  advance  this  work  in  every 
church,  to  make  annual  reports  to  the  Association  of  the 
work  done,  and  that  an  hour  be  given  this  noble  work  on 
Lord's  Day  morning  of  the  Association.  The  efforts  thus 
put  forth  by  our  ancient  brethren  did  good,  but  many  have 
not  been  awakened  as  yet.  We  have  the  same  difficulties 
to  contend  with  that  they  had  then. 

The  Lord's  Day  was  fair  and  bright.  A  large  crowd 
assembled  to  hear  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  in  the  church,  and 
Elder  Samuel  P.  Morton  in  the  academy.  Elder  Stough's 
text  was  Matt.  xvi.  26,  "For  what  is  a  man  profited  if  he 
shall  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul ;    or  what 


100  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul  ?"  Much  good 
was  accomplished.  Four  sermons  were  preached  during 
the  day.  Elders  J.  F.  McLure  and  J.  C.  Russell  preached 
in  the  afternoon. 

The  question  of  caring  for  our  old  preachers  was 
brought  up  at  this  session,  but  the  country  was  so  torn  up 
by  the  war  and  financial  conditions  were  so  bad  that  it  was 
deferred  until  a  later  day. 

A  recommendation  was  made  to  commune  with  the 
church  at  Bethel  during  the  session,  but  conditions  did  not 
admit  it.  This  same  plan  had  been  tried  when  the  Asso- 
ciation last  met  with  Mount  Olive  Church,  but  it  failed 
there,  as  it  did  at  Bethel.  This  is  not  scriptural  anyway 
according  to  our  understanding  of  the  ordinance.  You 
cannot  administer  the  Lord's  Supper  to  a  mixed  crowd. 
It  cannot  be  given  to  members  over  whom  you  do  not  hold 
discipline.  Baptists  think  they  hold  restricted  communion, 
but  they  forget  that  it  ought  to  be  restricted  to  the  church 
where  it  is  administered. 

This  Association  was  now  composed  of  18  churches.  It 
had  38  delegates  present,  12  pastors,  and  made  a  net  gain 
of  91  members.     It  now  numbered  1,277. 

The  Brown  Creek  Association  met  in  its  twelfth  annual 
session  with  the  Bethel  Baptist  church  October  12,  1866. 
This  session  showed  some  changes  in  the  general  working 
of  the  body.  We  will  try  to  mention  them  later  on  in  this 
chapter. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  A.  L. 
Stough.  He  was  not  the  appointee,  but  preached  by  re- 
quest. His  text  was  Acts  xii.  24.  After  this  introductory 
sermon  the  former  Moderator,  D.  A.  Covington,  appointed 


Union  Baptist  Association.  101 

Elders  A.  L.  Stongh  and  A\\  F.  Brasington  reading  clerks. 
The  letters  of  the  churches  were  called  for  and  read.  A 
quorum  of  the  churches  being  present,  they  proceeded  to 
organize.  Bro.  D.  A.  Covington  had  served  nine  years  as 
Moderator,  so  he  declined  re-election.  Elder  Silas  J.  Finch- 
er  was  duly  elected  in  his  stead,  and  W'.  D.  Webb  Clerk. 

Rocky  Mount  and  Corinth  churches  were  received.  El- 
der W.  F.  Brasington,  Moderator  of  the  Moriah  Associa- 
tion, and  Elder  John  Davis,  a  messenger  from  the  Pee  Dee, 
were  welcomed  to  seats  with  us. 

Elder  J-  F.  McLure  died  during  the  year.  Elder  A. 
Stough  made  the  report  on  missions  for  him. 

The  state  of  religion  seems  to  have  been  very  poor  at 
this  time,  but  a  hopeful  note  was  sounded.  Xearly  every 
church  in  this  Association  asked  that  it  be  remembered  in 
prayer.  They  felt  their  need  of  prayer,  and  because  of  this 
they  made  request. 

The  Faulk's  letter  asked  that  the  Association  adopt 
some  plan  by  which  brethren  of  different  churches  who 
have  difficulties  may  be  handled.  The  Association  took  the 
matter  under  consideration,  and  reported  as  follows :  'Tn 
answer  to  the  third  article  in  the  report  of  Request  and 
Queries  we  recommend  that  the  gospel  rule  laid  down  in 
the  eighteenth  chapter  of  ■Matthew^  be  applied  where  diffi- 
culties exist  between  brethren  of  different  churches  of  same 
faith  and  order."    This  was  a  wise  solution  of  the  matter. 

The  church  had  planned  to  commune  at  this  session  of 
the  Association,  but  the  service  was  omitted.  The  Associa- 
tion paid  the  widow  of  the  late  .Elder  J.  F.  ]\IcLure  twenty- 
five  dollars  for  his  labors  as  missionary  of  the  Brown  Creek 
Association.     The   Association   also   took   a   collection    for 


102  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Bro.  McLure's  family.    This  collection  amounted  to  sixteen 
dollars. 

The  rej^ort  on  Ministerial  Support,  made  by  Elder  A.  L. 
Stoug-h  at  this  session,  is  so  fine  that  we  feel  that  we  ought 
to  give  it  in  full,  so  read  the  following : 

Ministerial  Report. 

There  is,  perhaps,  no  duty  more  clearly  taught  in  the 
New  Testament  than  that  of  Ministerial  Support.  When 
Christ  sent  out  his  disciples  he  bade  them  to  take  nothing 
for  their  journey,  saying  "that  the  laborer  was  worthy  of 
his  hire."- — Luke  x.  1-7.  And  yet  how  many  ministers  are 
left  to  struggle  almost  alone  and  support  themselves  as  best 
they  can.  Even  the  church  at  Corinth,  on  which  the  Apostle 
Paul  had  bestowed  much  labor,  had  treated  him  in  this  un- 
grateful manner.  How  did  he  act  in  reference  to  such  con- 
duct? Did  he  from  a  false  delicacy,  or  from  being  sus- 
pected of  sinister  motives,  hold  his  peace  ?  No !  He  faith- 
fully instructed  them  on  this  subject.  In  the  ninth  chapter 
of  his  Epistle  to  this  church  he  enforces  this  duty  from  the 
nature  of  the  case ;  from  the  authority  of  the  Scriptures ; 
from  the  examples  of  the  priest  under  the  Jewish  law,  and 
from  the  express  precepts  of  Jesus  Christ,  whicTi,  taken  to- 
gether, are  wholly  unanswerable. 

1.  From  the  nature  of  the  case,  verse  7. — His  meaning 
was,  doubtless,  to  say  that  those  who  give  themselves  to  the 
prosecution  of  any  worldly  business  expect  to  live  by  it, 
and  it  is  just  and  reasonable  that  they  should.  As  the  sol- 
dier is  supported  by  his  country,  and  the  wine-dresser  eats 
of  the  fruit  which  he  cultivates,  and  the  shepherd  drinks 
the  milk  of  the  flock  which  he  tends,  so  the  Christian  min- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  103 

ister  is  to  be  supported  by  those  on  whom  he  bestows  his 
labors.  "Let  him  that  is  taught  in  the  word  communicate 
unto  him  that  teacheth  in  all  good  things." — Gal.  xi.  6. 
"If  we  have  sown  unto  you  spiritual  things,  is  it  a  great 
thing  if  we  shall  reap  your  carnal  things  ?" — I.  Cor.,  9th 
ch..  11th  V. 

The  primitive  ministers  of  Christ,  as  already  stated,  were 
sent  forth  to  their  ardent  work  without  any  provision  for 
their  support,  except  that  which  might  be  furnished  by  the 
persons  to  whom  they  preached  on  this  equitable,  well  un- 
derstood and  generally  admitted  principle,  that  the  laborer 
is  entitled  to  his  reward.  This  provision  has  in  it  nothing 
of  the  rating  of  charity;  it  is  an  act  of  the  strictest  justice^ 
a  discharge  of  one  of  the  plainest  Christian  obligations.  It 
is  the  reward  of  labor,  called  a  "hire"  (Luke,  10th  ch.,  7th 
v.), "called  "wages."   (  See  Cor.,  11th  ch.,  8th  v.) 

In  the  ordinary  affairs  of  life  we  recognize  the  obliga- 
tion to  supply  the  wants  of  those  who  devote  themselves  to 
our  service. 

We  would  not  think  of  asking  a  mechanic,  or  an  over- 
seer, to  devote  his  time  and  skill  to  our  service  merely  for 
his  food  and  clothing.  And  yet  how  many  are  unwilling, 
even  on  such  terms,  to  sustain  those  who  act  as  their  ser- 
vants -for  Christ's  sake  ?  Thus  rating  the  value  of  spiritual 
things  ministered  to  them  by  God's  men  at  less  than  they 
do  temporal  things  ministered  to  them  by  others.  How  can 
we  content  ourselves  with  granting  less  than  a  competent 
and  comfortable  support  to  the  preachers,  and  that  not 
grudgingly,  but  at  least  with  as  much  cheerfulness  as  we 
feel  in  paying  other  debts? 


104  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Again,  we  ask,  is  it  right  to  see  men  wearing  themselves 
out  in  the  service  of  the  church,  and  when  they  die  leave 
their  families  destitute,  virtually  beggars,  dependent  on  the 
cold  charities  of  an  unfeeling  world? 

2.  The  second  argument  used  by  the  Apostle  was 
founded  upon  some  provisions  in  the  Jewish  law,  verses 
8-10.  To  starve  the  laboring  ox  is  inhuman,  and  was,  there- 
fore, divinely  forbidden.  But  is  it  less  unjust  or  cruel  to 
starve  ministers  of  Christ  than  oxen?  Surely,  if  every  sen- 
timent of  justice  has  not  been  extinguished  in  our  bosoms, 
we  will  admit  the  claims  of  our  pastors  to  a  treatment  as 
human  and  kind  as  that  which  the  voice  of  God  pronounces 
due  to  beasts. 

How  plainly  Paul  spoke  here?  For  our  sakes  no  doubt 
this  is  written.  He  says — and  why?  He  assigns  his  rea- 
son :  "That  he  that  ploweth  should  plow  in  hope,"  etc.,  not 
only  in  hope  of  a  crop,  but  in  hope  of  a  support  while  at 
work.  The  argument  is  a  convincing  one,  and  the  instruc- 
tion contained  here  is  very  manifest. 

3.  Paul's  third  argument  is  taken  from  a  custom  in  the 
old  Jewish  establishment — verse  13.  Provisio.n  was  made 
by  divine  appointment,  under  legal  dispensation,  for  the 
support  of  the  priesthood  ( Deut.  18th  chap.,  1-6  verse).  It 
is  plain,  therefore,  that  ample  provision  was  made  under  the 
Jewish  law  for  all  the  priesthood,  and  the  argument  of  Paul 
here  goes  to  show  that  Christian  ministers,  waiting,  as  they 
do  at  the  altar,  are  equally  entitled  to  a  competent  support. 

4.  One  other  argument  was  used  by  Paul  on  this  oc- 
casion. He  asserts  the  comfortable  support  of  ministers  to 
be  an  institution  of  Christ  (verse  14).  The  Apostle  thus 
asserts  that  the  support  of  ministers  is  the  will  of  Christ — 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  105 

^'Even  so  hath  the  Lord  ordained."'  How  criminal,  then,  for 
any  people  to  deny  the  claim,  or  withhold  when  it  is  within 
the  power  of  Iheir  hands,  "that  they  ^vhich  preach  the  Gos- 
pel shall  live  of  the  Gospel."  Here  we  have  not  only  the 
duty  but  also  the  measure  of  support — "Live  of  the  Gos- 
pel." Xot  a  mere  pittance  grudgingly  dealt  out.  ]\Iinisters 
should  be  enabled  to  say  to  their  churches,  as  the  Apostle 
said  to  the  liberal  saints  at  Phillippi,  "But  I  have  all.  and 
abound,"  etc. — Philip..  4th  chap.,  18th  verse.  Common 
sense  and  common  prudence  will  dictate  that  a  minister's 
support  should  be  such  as  to  enable  him  and  his  family,  if 
he  has  one,  to  live  not  only  in  comfort,  but  enable  him  to 
educate  his  children,  and  to  make  suitable  provision  for  his 
family's  support  when  he  can  no  longer  provide  for  them. 

We  have  briefly  stated  the  argument  of  the  Apostle  on 
this  important  subject,  and  we  may  here  add  that  the  bad 
eflfects  of  neglecting  this  duty  furnishes  another  strong 
argument  for  performing  this  duty. 

I.  A\"ithout  a  competent  support  it  is  absolutely  impos- 
sible for  any  mortal  man  to  perform  all  the  duties  of  a 
pastor  or  an  embassador  for  Christ.  He  is  to  give  himself 
wholly  to  the  work,  to  make  full  proof  of  his  ministrv, 
to  preach  publicly  and  from  house  to  house ;  to  be  constant 
in  season  and  out  of  season:  to  feed  the  flock  over  which 
the  Lloly  Ghost  has  made  him  overseer,  and  to  watch  for 
souls  as  one  who  must  give  an  account.  All  this  he  is  bound 
to  do.  How  can  he  do  all  this  when  he  is  compelled  to 
resort  for  subsistence  to  secular  employment?  To  devote 
himself  to  the  varied,  arduous  and  momentous  duties  of  his 
calling  his  wants  must  be  supplied.  AMthout  this  he  will 
of  necessity  slightly  perform  or  else  whollv  neglect  some  of 


106  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

the  important  duties  of  the  Christian  pastor  to  the  detri- 
ment of  immortal  souls. 

2.  The  neglect  of  ministerial  support  cripples  the  ener- 
gies of  a  minister,  destroys  his  usefulness.  It  cannot  be 
that  a  man  who  has  to  be  entangled  with  the  distracting 
cares  of  a  farm,  or  be  busy  from  morning  till  night  with 
merchandise,  or  in  a  workshop,  or  to  toil  in  a  school,  and 
after  exhausting  his  health  and  spirits  all  the  week,  he 
rides  off  some  10,  15,  20  or  30  miles  on  the  Sabbath  to 
preach  to  a  people  who  have  not  enough  love  for  their 
minister  to  contribute  out  of  their  abundance  a  little  bread 
for  his  family,  and  at  the  same  time  harassed  with  debts 
which  he  cannot  pay.  We  say  a  man  under  such  circum- 
stances cannot  preach  the  Gospel  with  power  and  effect. 

In  many  instances,  if  the  preacher  goes  into  the  pulpit 
on  the  Lord's  day  morning,  he  will  most  likely  see  some 
in  the  congregation  to  whom  he  is  indebted,  and  whose 
duns  are  yet  in  his  ears,  and  who  are,  perhaps,  beginning 
to  doubt  his  willingness  to  pay.  Need  I  stop  here  to  tell 
how  a  man  preaches  under  such  circumstances?  Even  the 
most  stupid  and   inexperienced  can   foresee  the  result. 

Let  me  inquire  Avhat  is  the  cause  of  so  many  destitute 
churches — the  present  scarcity  of  ministers?  What  but 
this  in  part  be  the  cause  that  a  duty  so  reasonable,  so 
plainly  laid  down  in  the  word  of  God,  is  so  little  regarded? 
How  can  we  expect  God  to  send  us  more  ministers  if  we 
neglect  our  duty  toward  those  already  sent?  Do  you  think 
'He  would  send  them  amongst  us  to  starve?  I  know  this 
is  an  unpopular  theme,  but  it  is  my  duty  to  declare  the 
whole  counsel  of  God.  I  am  fully  convinced  that  the  time 
has  come  when  the  true  state  of  things  must  be  distinctly 
known  and  fully  examined. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  107' 

What  is  the  real  condition  of  our  churches  in  the 
Association?  How  humiHating  is  the  fact  .that  not  a  sin- 
gle church  enjoys  the  undivided  labors  of  a  minister! 
Some  of  the  oldest,  richest  and  largest  congregations  raise- 
with  difficulty  from  $100  to  $125  ;  and  all  our  ministers, 
with  but  one  exception,  are  compelled  to  spend  the  week- 
in  temporal  business  to  provide  a  support  for  their  fam- 
ilies. Their  hearts  may  burn  with  a  desire  to  give  them- 
selves wholly  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  but  they  are- 
compelled  to  leave  the  word  of  God  to  employ  themselves 
in  providing  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men  so  that 
they  may  owe  no  man  anything.  The  neglect  of  the  duty 
of  supporting  ministers  is  undeniable,  general  and  a  very 
great  evil.  How  is  this  deplorable  state  of  things  to  be- 
remedied  ? 

1.  The  work  must  begin  with  the  ministers  of  the  Gos- 
pel. They  must  fully  and  faithfully  instruct  the  churches 
under  their  charge  on  this  subject.  The  churches  must,  if 
possible,  be  roused  to  the  importance  and  responsibility  of 
supporting  their  pastors.  Some  have  the  piety  and  the, 
money,  and  only  want  proper  instructions  to  see  their  obli-- 
gations,  and  they  will  not  be  slow  to  meet  them. 

Pastors  should  not  only  instruct  the  people  under  their - 
charge  this  duty,  but  refuse  to  serve  such  churches  as; 
penuriously  neglect  it  or  dishonestly  violate  their  pledgesi 
to  support  their  preachers.  It  is  a  shameful  fact  that  some 
churches  will  pledge  a  support  or  a  certain  amount  to  get. 
a  minister's  services,  and  then,  after  they  get  his  services, 
they  refuse  to  pay  what  they  have  promised  him.  Now,  is.- 
♦  this  honest?  Every  one  is  bound  in  truth  to  answer  no  1' 
Is  it  not,  then,  ecjually  criminal  in  a  minister  to  serve  such'.. 


108  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

churches  any  longer,  or  to  yield  himself  an  instrument  of 
unrighteousness  by  entering  into  such  arrangements,  and 
thus  encouraging  the  people  and  becoming  partakers  of 
their  guilt? 

2.  Deacons  have  an  important  work  to  perform  in  this 
matter.  It  is  their  official  duty  to  attend  to  the  support  of 
pastors.  Deacons  can  urge  on  the  churches  this  duty 
without  incurring  the  suspicion  of  seliishness,  and  by  their 
official  influence  and  their  liberality  do  much  to  correct  the 
evil  under  consideration.  We  cannot  reasonably  hope  to 
see  it  removed  until  these  officers  are  fully  awake  to  their 
responsibilities,  and  use  their  legitimate  authority  for  its  cor- 
rection. The  unfaithfulness  of  a  deacon  can  and  will  do 
much  in  lowering  the  standard  of  ministerial  support, 
which  is  so  vitally  important  to  success  in  the  ministry 
and  to  the  prosperity  of  the  churches. 

3.  Each  member  should  be  required  to  bear  a  part  of 
the  task  according  as  God  has  given  him  ability.  It  is  not 
right  for  a  few  to  bear  the  whole  burden,  nor  is  it  right 
for  one  to  pay  fifty  per  annum  to  support  the  Gospel,  and 
that  his  brother,  in  like  circumstances,  pay  but  one.  I 
verily  believe  if  all  professing  Christians  would  pay  ac- 
cording to  their  ability  then  ministers  would  be  free  from 
pecuniary  cares.  But,  alas !  too  many  will  gladly  avail 
themselves  of  almost  any  plausible  pretext  for  neglecting 
to  pay,  and,  if  allowed  to  do  so  they  will  go  on  from  year 
to  year  without  paying  a  dime.  In  some  cases  we  ought 
not  only  to  be  required  according  to  our  respective  abili- 
ties, but  according  to  the  necessity  of  the  occasion.  The 
primitive  Christians,  or  disciples  of  Christ,  when  the  exi- 
:g'encies   of   his   cause   demanded   the   sacrifice,    "sold   their 


Union  Baptist  Association.  109 

possessions  and  goods,  and  parted  to  all  men  as  every  man 
had  need." — Acts  ii.  45. 

If  our  members  were  to  devote  to  ministerial  suppt)rt 
half  the  percentage  on  their  income  (which  the  ancient- 
church  was  required  by  divine  law)  to  the  support  of  reli- 
gious worship,  the  amount  would,  no  doubt,  be  more  than 
sufficient  to  supply  with  a  regular  pastor  and  with  preach- 
ing every  Sabbath.  To  refuse  to  do  our  full  share  is  a 
violation  of  pledges  and  assurances  made  when  we  joined 
the  church.  It  is  my  candid  opinion  that  if  any,  through 
covetousness,  refuse  to  bear  a  part  of  this  burden,  they 
should,  after  due  warning  and  forbearance^  be  excommu- 
nicated as  incorrigible  idolators. 

Suppose  that  a  church  were  to  pass  a  resolution  that 
each  member  should  pay  according  to  his  ability,  to  de fray- 
expenses  of  the  church,  in  supporting  her  pastor  and  pay- 
ing incidental  expenses,  and  the  deacons  could  be  gotten 
to  attend  promptly  to  their  duty,  would  we  not  see  a  dif- 
ferent state  of  things  in  our  churches?  But  suppose  some 
refused  to  pay  according  to  that  resolution;  it  would  be 
the  means  of  the  church  getting  rid  of  such  persons  as 
hang  as  dead  weights  upon  her ;  for  no  Christian  would 
hesitate  to  do  what  was  his  duty  according  to  such  a 
resolution  as  was  suggested. 

There  is  one  thing  clear,  and  that  is,  no  man  should  be 
permitted  to  enjoy  the  privileges  of  any  government  who 
will  not  pay  something  to  support  that  government;  and 
there  is  no  way  of  making  so  equitable  a  distribution  as 
to  make  it  according  to  ability. 

But  let  us  by  increased  liberality  in  future  atone  for 
our  past  indifference,  as  we  value  the  church  of  Christ,  as- 


110  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

we  love  the  souls  of  our  fellow-men.  Let  us  remember 
that  nothing  can  be  made  by  robbing  God.  All  things  are 
under  His  control.  He  can  make  us  poor  or  rich,  send 
prosperity  or  adversity,  and  our  happiness  and  safety  de- 
pend on  securing  His  favor,  and  this  can  be  secured  only 
by  a  cheerful,  constant  and  uncompromising  compliance 
with  His  ordinance :  "Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  store- 
house, and  prove  now  herewith,"  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 
"If  I  will  not  open  you  the  windows  of  heaven  and  pour 
you  out  a  blessing  that  there  shall  not  be  room  enough 
to  receive  it." — Mai.  iii.  10. 

The  Association  now  had  twenty-one  churches,  four- 
teen pastors,  had  one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  baptisms 
during  the  year,  and  made  a  net  gain  of  sixty-three  mem- 
bers. 

The  session  of  1867  was  held  with  Meadow  Branch 
church  October  11th.  Elder  W.  F.  Brasington  preached 
the  introductory  sermon  from  I  Cor.  i.  6-7. 

Bro.  D.  A.  Covington  was  elected  Moderator  for  the 
tenth  time,  and  W.  D.  Webb  Clerk.  Bro.  J.  H.  Mills  of 
Raleigh  presented  himself  as  a  representative  of  the  Bib- 
lical Recorder.  This  is  the  first  time  the  Recorder  was 
represented  by  a  man  outside  of  the  Association.  It  had 
been  represented,  and  mentioned  in  several  reports,  but  no 
brother  had  made  a  trip  to  the  Association  especially  to 
make  a  speech  for  our  denominational  paper. 

The  rules  of  decorum  and  the  constitution  were  re- 
vised at  this  session,  but  the  changes  Avere  so  slight  we 
will  not  mention  them.  This  was  the  year  of  great  decline 
—deaths,  exclusions  and  letters  made  the  net  loss  one 
hundred  and  nineteen.  The  Association  now  numbered 
1,221  members. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  Ill 

The  session  of  1868  was  held  with  ]\Iount  OHve  Bap- 
tist church  October  9th.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  AA".  F.  Erasington  from  I  Cor.  i.  10. 

Bro.  T.  Redfearn  was  elected  [Moderator  and  \\'.  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 

The  weather  was  very  disag'reeable  during-  this  ses- 
sion. The  body  was  not  called  to  order  until  10  o'clock 
Saturday  morning.  The  Concord  church  petitioned  for  a 
letter  of  dismission  from  the  Brown  Creek  Association  to 
join  the  Rocky  River  Association.    This  letter  was  granted. 

Townly  Redfearn  tendered  his  resignation  as  Treas- 
urer. It  was  accepted,  and  Bro.  S.  H.  Parker  was  elected 
in  his  stead. 

A  motion  carried  that  a  brother  be  appointed  to  write 
out  our  fundamental  principles.  Elder  R.  H.  Griffith  re- 
ceived the  appointment.  V\'e  cannot  say  whether  he  per- 
formed his  task  or  not,  but  if  he  did,  no  record  of  the 
work  has  come  into  our  hands.  The  Pee  Dee  may  have 
some  record  of  this  matter,  as  it  was  requested  to  co- 
operate with  us  in  this  matter.  The  minutes  of  this  body 
make  no  further  m.ention  of  it. 

The  minutes  show  that  there  was  a  net  gain  of  three 
this  year,  and  that  the  Association  now  had  1,254  members. 

The  session  of  1869  met  with  the  Olive  Branch  Church 
October  8th.  Elder  T.  J.  Taylor  preached  the  introduc- 
tory sermon  from    2Tim.  iv.  2.  "Preach  the  word." 

The  following  delegates  were  enrolled : 

[\Iount  (Jlive — T  Redfearn,  Addison  Lowery,  John 
Bivens. 

[\Ionroe — Abel   Helms,    Irvin   ]\Iedlin. 
Faulks — Xot  represented. 


112  History  op  the  Brown  CreeT'^ 

Meadow  Branch — J.  A.  Bivens,  N.  W.  Bivens,  J.  C. 
Williams. 

Rocky  River — S.   P.    ■Morton,   Jas.   Broadway. 

Mineral  Springs — S.  J.  Fincher,  J.  D.  Green. 

Shiloh — H.  B.  King,  Xoah  Helms.    - 

Cross  Roads — T.  M.  Griffin,  Oliver  Rogers,  Wm  Un- 
derwood. 

Mount  Moriah — Dixon  Rushing. 

Philadelphia — A'.  T.  Chears,  J.  A.  Gathings,  O.  P. 
Plarrell. 

Charlotte — Xot    represented. 

Waxhaw — C.  Austin,  A\^m.   Godfrey,   Jas.   Godfrey. 

Olive  Branch — Jacoh  Thomas,  J.  J-  Austin,  J.  A.  Horn. 

Deep  Creek— W.  D.  Webb,  E."  D.  Caddy,  G.  T.  Little. 

Elizabeth — Joel  Baker,  E.  Y.  King. 

Bethel— S.  H.  Parker,  S.  Ross. 

Deep  Springs — A.  B.  "Caudle,  J.  W.  Phifer,  Ambrose 
Caudle. 

Rocky  Mount — James  Curlee,  Julius  Hill,  J.  Y.  Smith. 

Corinth— B.  F.  Hasty,  W.  R.  Hasty. 

The  Pleasant  Valley  church  is  not  in  the  list  of  churches 
represented  at  this  session,  but  no  mention  is  made  of  its 
disappearance,  or  how  it  came  to  be  left  off.  We  suppose 
that  it  was  granted  a  letter  to  join  the  York  Association. 

Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  was  elected  Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 

A  new  church  called  Union  Grove  was  admitted  at  this 
session.  We  are  not  sure  about  the  location  of  this  churchy 
but  since  J.  W.  Thomas  of  Diamond  Hill,  Anson  County, 
and  James   Sikes  of  the  same  community  were  delegates 


Uniox  Baptist  Association.  113 

we  think  that  it  was  an  organization  which  existed  for  a 
short  time  near  the  Foreman  Spring,  just  above  Diamond 
Hill,  in  Anson  County.  Cedar  Grove  church  stands  just 
a  mile  or  two  above  this  place.  We  are  not  sure  about 
this,  but  rather  think  we  are  correct.* 

Nothing  had  been  said  about  Home  or  Foreign  Mis- 
sions for  some  time  until  this  session.  Dr.  James  B.  Tay- 
lor of  Richmond,  \*a.,  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Brown 
Creek  Association,  which  was  read  before  this  body  Sat- 
urday morning,  October  9th.  He  was  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary of  the  Foreign  ^Mission  Board  at  this  time.  The 
only  thing  we  see  that  the  Association  did  was  to  hear 
this  letter  read.  Xo  action  was  taken  in  any  way  what- 
ever. Later  on  the  Association  took  up  the  matter  of 
Foreign  Missions,  and  less  than  thirty  dollars  were  pledged. 
This  was  made  by  individuals  and  not  by  the  churches. 

We  notice  but  one  bare  sign  of  progress  along  mis- 
sionary lines.  An  Executive  Committee  was  appointed  to 
look  after  associational  missions.  The  fervor  of  the  old 
brethren  had  not  been  transmitted  to  the  younger  ones. 
The  territory  once  of  so  much  concern  to  this  body  was 
scarcely  mentioned  after  the  war.  The  committee  was  to 
secure  a  suitable  minister  as  missionary  this  year.  Elder 
S.  J.  Fincher  was  appointed  and  worked  twenty  days,  as 
the  report  shows  in  the  minutes  of  1870.  He  received  two 
dollars  per  day,  so  we  can  readily  see  that  the  entire  As- 
sociation gave   forty  dollars  to  Home  Missions. 

Deacon  Eli  H.  Hinson  attended  this  Association  as  a 
messenger  from  the  Rocky  River  Association.     He  was  a 

*Since  writing  the  above  we  have  learned  that  we  are  correct. 


114  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

distinguished  layman.  He  was  faithful  to  the  cause  for 
nearly  sixty  years. 

Elder  T.   T.  Taylor  offered  the  following  resolution: 

"Seeing  the  great  destitution  in  our  midst,  and  feeling 
the  need  of  an  educated  ministry,  therefore 

"Resolved,  That  we  urge  our  churches  to  make  an 
eft'ort  to  educate  young  ministers  in  our  midst." 

Several  remarks  were  made  on  this  subject,  and  the 
Association  decided  to  aid  Bro.  Joseph  Bivens  to  obtain 
an  education.  The  Moderator  was  instructed  to  appoint 
a  committee  in  each  church  to  solicit  funds  for  this  pur- 
pose ;  accordingly,  he  appointed  the  clerks  of  the  several 
churches  to  act  in  this  capacity.  We  have  no  record  of 
what  they  did. 

This  Association  decided  to  have  a  regular  form  of 
church  letter,  and  to  have  this  form  published  in  the  min- 
utes, so  that  there  could  be  uniformity  in  the  reportis 
made  b}-  the  churches. 

The  churches  reported  two  hundred  and  sixty-four 
baptisms  this  year.  This  was  a  splendid  report.  It  was 
the  best  one  since  the  war.  Deep  Creek  reported  one 
hundred  and  seventeen,  ^^'e  know  some  of  those'  who  were 
baptized  at  this  time.  T.  J.  Taylor,  then  a  young'  preacher, 
assisted  S.  J.  Fincher,  the  pastor,  in  this  meeting.  The 
Association  now  numbered  1,395.  They  made  a  net  gain 
of  141  this  year. 

The  session  of  1870  met  with  Deep  Creek  Baptist 
church  October  7th. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  E.  L. 
Davis  from  Dan.  2 :44. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  elected  ^Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  115 

The  following  delegates  were  present : 

Mount  Olive — Townly  Redfearn,  D.  T.  Redfearn,  Eli 
Barrett. 

]\Ionroe — D.   Broom. 

Faulks — Not  represented. 

Meadow  Branch — J.  A.  Bivens.  Henry  Bivens,  C.  P. 
Griffin. 

Rocky  River — D.  Hancock,  H.  Davis. 

Mineral  Springs — S.  J-  Fincher,  J.  D.  Green. 

Shiloh — Abram   Helms. 

Cross  Roads — T.  M.  Griffin^  Wm.  Underwood,  O.  Rog- 
ers. 

Mount  A'loriah — K.  C.  Timmons,  D.  Rushing,  Y.  H. 
Parker. 

Philadelphia — Y.  T.  Chears,  J.  A.  Gathings. 

Charlotte — Xot  represented. 

Waxhaw — Xot  represented. 

Olive  Branch — E.  L.  Davis,  G.  W.  Baucom,  J-  S.  Bau- 
com. 

Deep  Creek— W.  D.  A\'ebb,  E.  D.  Huntley,  E.  Huntley. 

Elizabeth — E.  T.  King,  F.  G.  Baker. 

Bethel— S.  H.  Parker,  M.  W.  :\'Ioore. 

Deep    Springs — Allen    Caudle,    Wm.    Hubbard. 

Rocky  Alount— J.  P.  Hill. 

Union  Grove — R.  A.  Sikes. 

A  newly  constituted  Baptist  church  called  Pleasant 
Plains  was  admitted  at  this  session.  It  has  never  been  a 
strong  church,  but  has  been  put  to  it  to  exist.  It  now 
belongs  to  the  Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus  Association. 


116  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  Associational  Missionary  was  continued  for  the 
years  of  1870-1871,  but  no  mention  is  made  of  Foreign 
Missions.  The  question  was  not  discussed  this  session. 
The  Associational  Missions  question  was  touched  very 
slightly. 

The  following  obituary  appeared  in  the  minutes  of  1870 : 

"Your  Committee  on  Obituaries  beg  leave  to  submit  the 
following:  We  find  that  the  church  at  Monroe  is  made 
to  lament  and  mourn  an  irreparable  loss  on  account  of  the 
death  of  our  much  beloved  brother,  D.  A.  Covington,  the 
former  Moderator  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association.  Bro. 
Covington  made  a  profession  of  religion  and  joined  a  Bap- 
tist church  in  1842,  and  was  a  consistent  member  until  his 
death,  and  for  many  years  a  deacon  of  Monroe  Baptist 
church.  We,  the  members  of  the  Brown  Creek  Associa- 
tion, feel  that  God  has,  through  his  providence,  called  from 
our  midst  one  of  our  most  useful  members  and  dignified 
moderators,  and  sincerely  mourn  the  loss  of  our  departed 
brother.  But  not  as  those  who  have  no  hope.  "Blessed  are 
the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord,  henceforth,  yea  saith  the 
Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works 
do  follow  them." 

''Resolved,  That  this  Association  deeply  sympathize  with 
our  dear  sister  and  family  in  their  bereft  condition,  but  their 
loss,  we  trust,  is  his  eternal  gain." 

The  question  of  purchasing  the  old  Carolina  Female 
College  was  sprung.  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  asked  to 
make  some  remarks,  which  he  did,  and  a  committee  con- 
sisting of  E.  L.  Davis,  E.  Huntley,  G.  T.  Little  and  J.  P. 
Hill  was  appointed  to  meet  the  brethren  of  the  Pee  Dee  and 
Rocky  River  Associations  to  agree  upon  a  plan  for  the  pur- 


Uniox  Baptist  Associatiox.  117 

chase  of  the  Female  College  at  Ansonville.  Elder  S.  J. 
Fincher  was  appointed  to  solicit  aid  from  the  Welsh  Neck 
Association  for  the  same  purpose.  The  minutes  make  no 
farther  mention  of  this  matter,  so  we  conclude  that  the 
most  the  brethren  did  was  done  at  this  session  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. It  would  have  meant  so  much  for  the  associations 
to  have  owned  this  property.  It  would  have  saved  much 
time  and  expense,  and,  besides,  we  would  have  sent  out 
hundreds  of  young  women  to  bless  their  race  and  genera- 
tion who  have  been  tied  down  to  some  little  home  with  a 
family  of  small  children.  When  we  pass  a  resolution  we 
ought  to  do  our  best  to  carry  it  out.  A  vow  made  and 
not  kept  is  worse  than  none  at  all. 

Another  important  thing  this  session  of  the  Association 
did  was  to  appoint  a  standing  presbytery  to  examine  all 
the  applicants  who  might  apply  for  ordination  to  the  full 
work  of  the  ministry.  The  committee  consisted  of  Elders 
E.  L.  Davis,  Silas  J.  Fincher  and  Samuel  P.  Morton.  If 
this  resolution  has  been  cancelled  we  have  not  found  it  in 
the  minutes.  This  was  a  good  plan,  and  ought  to  be  fol- 
lowed today. 

The  churches  reported  58  baptisms  this  year  and  a  mem- 
bership of  1,301. 

The  session  of  1871  met  with  the  church  at  ]\Iount  Olive 
October  6th.  Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  preached  the  introductory 
sermon  from  Gen.  iv.  10. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected  ^Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported  that  they  had  been 
unable  to  secure  a  missionary  to  travel  within  the  bounds  of 
the  Association  during  the  year.    The  funds  were  not  suffi- 


118  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

cient,  but  that  Elder  S.  J.  Fincher  had  labored  sixteen  days. 
Elder  E.  L.  Davis  made  the  following  report  in  connection 
with  the  above  reports : 

To  the  Brown  Creek  Association  for  the  year  of  1871 : 

By  request  of  your  Executive  Committee,  appointed  at 
your  last  session  I  have  labored  in  the  bounds  of  this  Asso- 
ciation as  a  missionary  faithfully  for  twenty-eight  days,  and 
have,  during  that  time,  baptized  twenty-seven  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  churches.  And  b}^  request  of  the  church  at 
Faulks,  myself,  with  Elders  J.  Phifer  and  C.  Helms,  formed 
a  presbytery  to  examine  Brother  Joseph  Bennett,  one  of 
its  members,  relative  to  his  call  to  the  ministry.  We  care- 
fully examined  him,  first  on  his  Christian  experience,  and 
then  on  his  call  to  the  ministry,  his  doctrinal  views,  church 
order,  etc.,  and  found  him  orthodox,  and  set  him  apart  to 
the  work  of  the  Gospel  Ministry.  E.  L.  Davis.'" 

A  collection  was  taken  to  buy  books  for  Brother  Ben- 
nett. It  amounted  to  fifteen  dollars.  This  was  a  step  in 
the  right  direction. 

Elder  T.  J.  Taylor  stated  that  he  had  labored  nine  days 
as  a  missionary  during  the  year.  A  letter  was  read  from 
the  aged  Elder  Nathan  Funderburk  of  the  Aloriah  Asso- 
ciation. A  collection  was  taken  for  him,  but  the  amount 
raised  is  not  given  in  the  minutes. 

The  brethren  at  this  session  set  apart  Friday  before  the 
first  Saturday  in  July,  1872,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer. 

The  usual  hand-shaking  took  place  at  the  close  of  the 
session. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Associatiox.  119 

The  eighteenth  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association 
met  with  the  Aleadow  Branch  Baptist  church  October  11-13, 
1872.  Elder  J.  A.  Bivens  preached  the  introductory  sermon 
from  Isa.  hi.  2,  "Shake  thyself  from  the  dust." 

The  usual  delegates  were  present,  and  the  election  re- 
sulted in  Elder  E.  L.  DaA'is  for  Moderator  and  W.  D.  Webb 
Clerk.  Nothing  of  importance  took  place  at  this  session 
except  the  exclusion  of  Cross  Roads  from  the  body.  The 
following  mention  is  made  of  the  matter: 

"The  Cross  Roads  church,  having  acted  out  of  order 
and  contrary  to  Baptist  usage,  the  fellowship  of  the  Asso- 
ciation was  withdrawn  from  that  church."'  Disorders  in 
the  management  of  this  church  had  been  reported,  but  no 
action  had  been  taken  until  now.  The  churches  reported  28 
baptisms  this  year  and  203  colored  members,  and  a  total  of 
1,290  members.     This  shows  a  slight  decrease  from  1871. 

The  Charlotte  Baptist  church  withdrew  from  the  Brown 
Creek  Association  at  the  session  of  1871.  We  suppose  it 
joined  the  Rocky  River,  as  it  was  in  the  organization  of  the 
Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus. 

The  nineteenth  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association, 
met  with  the  Rocky  ]\lount  Baptist  church,  Anson  County,, 
October  10-12,  1873.  Elder  J.  A.  Bivens  preached  the  in- 
troductory sermon  from  Colossians  3:  1-4.  After  a  short 
intermission  the  delegates  reassembled  for  the  organization. 
The  letters  were  called  for,  and  delegates"  names  enrolled. 
All  of  the  churches  reported  except  Shiloh.  Philadelphia 
and  Pleasant  Plains.  Corinth  and  Union  Grove  churches 
were  reported  broken  down,  so  they  were  dropped  from 
the  list. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected  Moderator.  W  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 


120  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

£lders  C.  C.  Foreman  and  R.  H.  James  were  received 
as  messengers  from  the  Rocky  River  Association.  Tliis  is 
the  first  session  of  the  Association  that  we  have  any  record 
of  Elder  R.  H.  James  attending. 

Elder  J.  B.  Boone,  who  afterwards  became  so  noted  as 
the  manag-er  of  the  Orphanage,  attended  this  session.  He 
was  quite  an  addition  of  strength,  as  he  Vv-as  well  prepared, 
to  speak  on  many  subjects  then  under  consideration. 

This  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association  asked  the 
State  Convention  to  appoint  Elder  E.  E.  Davis  to  labor  as 
missionary  within  the  bounds  of  this  Association.  No  men- 
tion is  made  of  the  results  of  this  request,  but  we  feel  sure 
that  he  was  appointed. 

We  have  the  first  mention  of  a  brother  being  a  student 
at  AVake  Forest  at  this  time.  It  was  Bro.'  W.  D.  Gullege. 
He  was  appointed  to  write  on  Periodicals,  but  failed  to  re- 
port, as  he  was  then  a  student  at  Wake  Forest.  Many 
strong  resolutions  had  been  passed  in  regard  to  education, 
but  none  of  this  seemed  to  stir  the  brethren  enough  to  cause 
them  to  send  their  boys  to  college  until  this  time.  It  is 
quite  interesting  to  read  some  of  those  reports.  They  are 
about  as  strong  as  they  could  be  made.  They  seemed  to  do 
no  good,  and  we  would  think  so  if  it  were  not  for  the  fact 
that  later  on  the  brethren  built  the  \\'ingate  School. 

The  Shiloh  church  seemed  to  be  out  of  order  at  this 
time,  and  the  clerk  was  requestei  to  write  them  an  afifec- 
tionate  letter.  The  letter  seemed  to  have  had  the  desired 
efifect,  as  they  fell  in  line  after  this  time. 

The  Brown  Creek  Association  met  in  its  twentieth  ses- 
sion with  the  Waxhaw  Baptist  church  October  9-11,  1874. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  E.  L.  Davis 
from  Luke  ii.  10.  " 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  121 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected  ^loderator  and  ^^^  D. 
^^'ebb  Clerk. 

Three  churches  presented  letters  for  admission  at  this 
session.  The  first  was  Jerusalem,  a  new  church  recentl}" 
organized.  We  have  not  learned  just  where  it  was  located, 
but  from  the  names  of  the  delegates  it  must  have  been 
southwest  of  i\Ionroe.  The  delegates  were  O.  Rogers,  S.  W. 
Hunneycutt  and  ^^^  H.  Glover. 

The  second  church  to  present  a  petition  and  letter  at 
this  session  was  Piney  Grove,  now  Polkton  Baptist  Church. 

The  third  one  was  Wadesboro.  All  of  these  were  re- 
ceived and  their  delegates  enrolled. 

This  session  began  to  show  signs  of  improvement  along 
missionary  lines.  The  contributions  were  much  larger  this 
time  than  they  had  been  at  the  former  sessions  of  this  Asso- 
ciation. There  was  a  let-up  in  evangelism,  but  a  much 
stronger  grasp  had  been  gotten  on  education  and  mission- 
ary work.  ^luch  had  been  said  about  reporting  the  Sab- 
bath School  work  to  the  Association,  but  up  to  this  time 
nothing  had  been  done.  The  reports  kept  saying:  "We 
have  churches  without  Sabbath  Schools.  Let  us  try  to  put 
one  in  every  church."  "Report  what  you  have  done,"  but 
the  churches  did  not  heed  the  exhortation.  This  neglect 
has  caused  much  trouble  in  this  Association.  A  great  deal 
of  the  Antinomianism  in  this  section  is  due  to  the  fact  that 
the  brethren  failed  to  religiously  educate  their  children.  If 
they  had  taken  their  children  to  Sabbath  Schools,  as  they 
should  have  done,  we  would  not  hear  members  of  our 
churches  saying  that  they  did  not  believe  in  missions. 

The  churches  this  year  reported  seventy-eight  baptisms 
and  a  total  membership  of  twelve  hundred  and  seventy-six. 


122  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  session  of  1875  was  held  with  Deep  Creek  Baptist 
church,  Anson  County,  October  7-9.  Elder  J.  A.  Bivins 
preached  the  introductory  sermon  from  2  Kings  x.  15.  El- 
der B.  G.  Covington  was  elected  Moderator  and  W.  D, 
Webb  Clerk. 

Elders  S.  J.  Fincher,  who  so  often  had  been  connected 
with  the  affairs  of  this  Association ;  J.  S.  Croxton,  and 
James  Johnson  were  received  as  messengers  from  the  Mo- 
riah  Association. 

Elder  George  W.  Green,  afterwards  missionary  to  China, 
was  welcomed  as  a  representative  of  the  Sunday  School 
Board.  This  is  the  first  time  a  representative  from  the 
Sunday  School  Board  visited  this  body. 

Several  strong  speeches  were  made  in  behalf  of  missions 
at  this  session.  J.  Wheeler,  G.  W.  Green,  J.  S.  Croxton  and 
E.  L.  Davis  all  made  strong  speeches,  and  they  had  wonder- 
ful effects,  as  can  be  seen  in  the  transactions  of  this  session. 
The  pledges  were  better,  and  the  real  spirit  of  missions  be- 
gan to  get  hold  of  the  people,  as  can  be  seen  from  the  re- 
ports. This  session  was  the  first  one  to  take  a  definite  col- 
lection for  State  Missions.  It  had  been  Home  Missions  all 
the  time,  and  Home  Missions  at  this  time  meant  nothing 
but  associational  missions.  Selfishness  had  been  doing  its 
part  until  this  session  of  the  Browm  Creek  Association. 
Another  forward  step  along  missionary  lines  was  a  col- 
lection taken  during  this  session  for  the  beneficiaries  at 
Wake  Forest  College. 

The  leading  spirits  of  the  body  at  this  time  were  largely 
instrumental  in  bringing  about  the  change  in  missions.  El- 
ders A.  L.  Stough,  W.  F.  Brasington  and  several  others  had 
been  working  as  best  they  could  to  stir  up  the  people  along 


Union  Baptist  Association.  123 

every  progressive  line,  but  they  had  moved  to  other  sec- 
tions, or  had  become  too  feeble  to  be  active  any  more.  But 
now,  since  new  men  were  coming  in  to  take  their  places,  and 
men,  too,  who  were  as  wide-awake  as  the  former  ones, 
things  began  to  take  a  turn.  The  results  cannot  be  meas- 
ured, but  if  we  notice  things  a  little  we  can  soon  see  that 
something  powerful  had  been  done  in  the  past.  New 
church  houses  were  built,  Sunday  Schools  were  organized, 
offerings  were  increased,  and  a  general  uplift  was  seen  and' 
realized  along  ever}'  line  of  Christian  endeavor. 

Five  churches  reported  Sunday  Schools  at  this  time. 
They  were  Philadelphia,  Wadesboro,  3>Iineral  Springs,  Deep 
Springs,  and  Rocky  River. 

The  twenty-second  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  Asso- 
ciation was  held  with  the  ]\Ionroe  Baptist  church  October 
^-7 ,  1876.  Elder  G.  W.  Harmon  preached  the  introductory 
sermon  from  Phil.  ii.  9.  'A^'herefore  God  hath  highly  ex- 
alted him,  and  given  him  a  name  above  every  name." 

The  following  delegates  were  present : 

Blount  Olive — T.  Redfearn,  A.  Lowery,  J.  D.  Gordon. 

?\Ionroe — J.  E.  W.  Smith,  Caudle,  E.  D.  Chaney. 

Meadow  Branch — E.  L.  Davis,  J.  A.  Bivins,  C.  Austin.. 
Faulks— G.  W.  Walden,  J.  H.  Collins,  T.  Griffin. 
Rocky  River — Uriah  Saton,  L.  H.  McLendon. 
Shiloh — W.  T.  Sutton,  Abram  Helms. 
^Mineral  Springs — J.  H.  Flake,  J.  F.  Thomas. 
]\Iount  ]\Ioriah — L.  H.  Alsobrooks,  Thos.  Pearce,  L.  A. 
Lowery. 

Philadelphia— B.  F.  Parker,  L.  G.  Parker,  L.  C.  Autry., 
A\'axhaw — T.  Adams,  T.  W.  Sanders. 


124  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Olive  Branch — E.  G.  Gaddy,  M.  Godwin,  Hiram  Bau- 
com. 

Deep  Creek— W.  D.  Webb,  J.  T.  Gaddy,  J.  F.  Burch. 

Elizabeth — Joel  Baker,  James  Johnson,  W.  AI.  Burch. 

Bethel— S.  H.  Parker,  A.  :\Iarsh. 

Rocky  Mount— J.  D.  Hill,  John  Eudy. 

Deep  Springs — R.  Y.  Caudle,  Allen  Caudle,  A.  Phifer. 

Pleasant  Plains — H.  B.  King,  David  King. 

Jerusalem — Not  represented. 

Polkton — J.  J.  Austin,  B.  K.  Ponds. 

VVadesboro — A\'.  J.  Ashcraft,  L.  H.  Covington,  J.  W. 
Burgaius. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  elected  Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk. 

Elder  C.  T.  Bailey,  editor  of  the  Biblical  Recorder,  and 
Bro.  J.  C.  Scarborough,  from  the  Raleign  Association,  were 
W'elcomed. 

Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
State  Mission  Board,  was  also  welcomed  to  a  seat  in  the 
iDody. 

The  question  of  Qiristian  education  was  agitating  the 
minds  of  the  Baptists  at  this  time,  and  for  the  first  time  in 
the  history  of  this  Association  a  special  hour  was  set  apart 
for  the  discussion  of  it  on  Saturday  of  this  session.  The 
report  on  education  was  read  by  Elder  N.  B.  Cobb,  and 
J.  C.  Scarborough,  C.  T.  Bailey  and  N.  B.  Cobb  discussed 
the  question  at  length.  They  advocated  the  great  impor- 
tance of  educating  the  hearts  and  minds  of  the  rising  gen- 
eration, and  especially  those  who  preach  the  gospel.  This 
was  the  first  time  Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson  attended  this  Asso- 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  125 

ciation.  Little  did  he  know  then  that  the  interest  taken  in 
education  would  result  in  the  movement  made  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  high  school  at  AA'ingate  during  his  pastorate  at 
]\Ieadow  Branch. 

The  reports  made  at  this  session  were  of  a  very  high 
order.  We  do  not  have  space  to  give  them  or  we  would  let 
the  readers  see  what  they  were. 

The  Association  now  numbered  fourteen  hundred  and 
eighty-eight,  the  churches  reported  one  hundred  and  twen- 
ty-two baptisms  during  the  year.  This  is  the  highest  mark 
reached  by  the  Association  up  to  this  time. 

The  twenty-third  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  Associa- 
tion was  held  with  Philadelphia  Baptist  church  October  11- 
13,  1877.  Elder  W.  F.  Brasington,  by  request,  preached  the 
introductory  sermon  from  Psa.  xxxiv.  3. 

After  the  letters  had  been  read  and  the  delegates  en- 
rolled the  Association  re-elected  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  for  ^lod- 
erator  and  \A'.  D.  Webb  Clerk. 

Elder  J-  ^I-  Garrison  was  present  as  a  messenger  from 
the  York  Association,  and  Bro.  K.  C.  Timmons  from  the 
South  Yadkin. 

Cedar  Grove,  a  newly  constituted  church,  petitioned  for 
membership  at  this  session  and  was  admitted.  This  church 
is  in  Anson  County,  near  where  the  Union  Grove  church 
stood.  The  delegates  to  this  body  were  Brethren  J.  W.. 
Thomas  and  S.  P.  Curran.  They  are  both  gone  to  their 
heavenly  home.  They  were  faithful  brethren,  and  did  their 
work  for  the  ^Master  as  well  as  most  men. 

We  give  here  the  financial  table  to  show  just  how  things- 
went  in  those  days.  We  hope  the  reader  may  take  time  to 
notice  these  figures  very  carefully.    This  is  the  report  made 


126  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

of  the  several  churches  and  reported  in  their  letters  to  the 
-.Association,  1877: 

Home  and  For- 
eign Missions.  Minutes. 

Alount  Olive $  6.00  $  4.00 

Monroe 2.75 

Faulks 1.30 

]\Ieadow  Branch 2.75 

Rocky  River 1.50 

Shiloh    1.00 

Mineral  Springs    1.40  1.00 

Mount  Moriah 6.55  1.25 

Philadelphia 3.35 

Waxhaw 

Olive  Branch  9.00  2.35 

Deep  Creek   6.30  3.00 

Elizabeth    1.20 

Bethel    6.32  1.50 

Rocky  Mount    2.00 

Deep    Springs    0.75 

Pleasant  Plains 1.00 

Jerusalem    

"Polkton 1.00 

AA'adesboro  10.00  2.00 

Cedar  Grove    1.25 

Total   $45.57  $35.05 

We  have  improved  a  little  along  financial  lines,  but  not 
as  much  as  we  ought  to  have  done.    These  figures  are  quite 

'interesting  to  us.     Are   they  to   you?     The  churches   re- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  127 

ported  eighty-five  baptisms  this  year  and  a  total  member- 
ship of  fifteen  hundred  and  twenty-four. 

The  session  of  1878  met  with  Meadow  Branch  church 
October  10-13.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Elder  G.  W.  Harmon  from  I  Cor.  xv.  58. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected  Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk.  They  had  served  for  many  years,  but  the 
brethren  thought  best  to  continue  them.  They  were  well 
posted  on  this  line,  and  thus  were  well  qualified,  so  they 
continued  them  as  long  as  they  were  able  to  fill  the  places. 

New  Hope,  a  newly  organized  Baptist  church,  came  into 
the  Association  at  this  meeting.  Brethren  W.  R.  and  \\\  E. 
Smith  were  the  delegates. 

Elder  J.  E.  King,  a  messenger  from  the  Spartanburg 
Association,  presented  himself,  and  was  cordially  received. 
He  was  a  man  of  much  power  at  this  time,  but  cast  a 
shadow  over  his  usefulness  by  joining  the  Adventist.  He 
went  back  to  the  Baptist,  but  never  got  his  former  popu- 
larity re-established.  He  died  at  Wilmington,  and  nothing 
Avas  said  about  it.  How  easily  a  man  can  ruin  himself  by 
trying  to  do  something  smart. 

Elder  G.  W.  Harmon  offered  the  following  report  on 
Foreign   Missions : 

"The  teaching  of  the  Scripture  is  clear  and  explicit  on 
the  subject  of  missions.  The  command  of  the  ]\Iaster  is  : 
^Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature.'  Were  there  nothing  else  in  God's  word  on  the 
subject  this  one  command  should  impel  us  to  activity  and 
zeal  in  propagating  the  truth  among  the  nations.  As  we 
have  gone  forward  in  obedience  to  the  jMaster,  Heaven's 
blessings  have  attended  our  labors,  and  success  has  crowned 


128  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

our  efforts.  The  Lord  in  his  providence  is  opening  the 
door  unto  us,  and  it  is  our  duty  to  enter  in  and  possess 
the  nations  for  the  Lord.  The  command  is  enforced  by  the 
most  powerful  motives.  The  love  of  God  to  us ;  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Lord  Jesus;  the  Macedonian  cry  of  the  na- 
tions shrouded  in  spiritual  darkness,  all  appeal  to  us  to 
pray,  labor  and  contribute  of  our  means  that  the  glad  tid- 
ings of  eternal  salvation  be  preached  to  every  creature. 
We  shall  be  recreant  to  the  trust  committed  to  us  if  we 
fail  to  hold  forth  the  word  of  life  to  dying  men.  Brethren, 
let  us  be  up  and  doing,  trusting  in  God,  and  his  blessings 
will  attend  us,  success  will  crown  our  efforts,  and  our 
souls  will  be  made  fat. 

"Respectfully,         G.  W.  Harmon." 

The  subject  of  State  ^fissions  was  discussed  more  vig- 
orously at  this  session  than  the  brethren  were  accustomed 
to  do.  The  preachers  holding  pastorates  in  this  Associa- 
tion at  this  time  were  all  enthusiastic  men.  They  went  at 
a  thing  with  all  their  might,  and  they  accomplished  what 
they  undertook.  We  have  not  given  a  single  report  on 
State  Missions,  so  we  give  the  following  to  show  the  spirit 
of  the  brethren : 

"Our  State  Mission  work  is  our  duty  to  God  and  our 
fellowmen  as  citizens  of  a  commonwealth.  We  cheerfully 
and  gladly  own  the  fact  that  it  is  our  duty,  both  to  God  and 
our  fellows,  and  we  are  endeavoring  to  work  to  build  up 
and  to  establish  the  doctrines  of  salvation  as  we  hold  and 
teach  it  to  the  men  of  this  generation  and  in  this  region. 
These  facts  are  clear  to  those  who  know  our  condition,  as 
workers  together  with  Christ  as  an  association  of  churches. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  129 

We  have  expended  both  labor  and  money  to  have  the  gos- 
pel preached  among-  ourselves  and  our  children  and  neigh- 
bors, and  to  erect  some  houses  of  worship  and  repair  oth- 
ers. As  stewards,  we  have  deemed  this  work  more  impera- 
tive than  any  which  the  State  ^Mission  Board  has  urged 
upon  us.  The  work  still  engages  our  energies  so  much 
that  it  is  not  practicable  for  us  to'  direct  united  effort  much 
to  the  regions  beyond.  We  have  new  churches  struggling 
for  existence  and  without  houses  of  worship,  which  must 
have  some  attention  or  assistance  from  those  of  us  more 
favored.  We  wish  to  aid  and  co-operate  all  we  can  with 
the  State  ^Mission  Board,  but  must  see  to  it  that  we  build 
up  the  wall  over  against  our  own  houses.  Brethren,  come 
with  mind  to  work  and  money  to  help,  and  hearts  burning 
with  love  for  the  Master's  cause,  and  throw  your  power 
against  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  and  the  light  of  heaven 
will  prevail.  Respectfully, 

"J-  Wheeler." 

Elder  J.  E.  King  had  labored  fourteen  days  in  the  cause 
of  missions  in  the  Association  during  the  year ;  D.  A. 
Snider  had  labored  thirteen  days ;  J.  L.  Bennett  had  la- 
bored twelve  days;  J.  A.  Bivins  had  labored  twelve  days. 
They  all  donated  this  to  the  cause  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Association.  The  question  must  have  been  pretty  well 
presented  to  get  such  wonderful  results.  These  brethren 
decided  that  something  definite  must  be  done  to  effect  per- 
manent  good,  so  they  appointed  a  committee  to  draft  a 
circular  letter  to  be  read  by  the  churches  and  to  formulate 
plans  .for  the  furtherance  of  the  State  Mission  cause.  We 
give  the  letter  to  show  how  they  desired  to  manage  the 

9 


130  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

matter.     This  letter  was  prepared  by  Elders  J.  E.  King,  J. 
Wheeler,  G.  W.  Harmon  and  W.  F.  Brasington. 

Circular  Letter. 

Y^our  committee,  appointed  to  write  a  circular  letter  to 
the  churches  of  your  body  on  Associational  JMissions,  and 
advise  some  Scriptural  plan  for  immediate  relief,  respect- 
fully submit  the  following: 

Dear  Brethren :  Many  around  us  have  felt  the  great 
need  of  united  action  in  going  forward  and  possessing  the 
land  God's  Providence  clearly  intimates  he  has  given  us. 
We  propose  to  set  before  you  as  briefly  as  we  can  an  idea 
of  the  destitution.  First,  on  the  north  and  west  we  have 
thirty  miles  square  of  God's  earth,  the  soil  of  which  was 
never  impressed  with  the  footprint  of  a  missionary  Baptist 
minister.  There  are  many  grown  people  who  never  heard 
a  Baptist  sermon,  and  recently,  at  Matthews,  many  wit- 
nessed for  the  first  time  the  immersion  of  believers.  Last 
year  God  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  a  few  of  our  ministers 
and  brethren  to  visit  this  destitution.  God  has  blessed 
their  efforts  and  poured  out  his  spirit,  and  three  new 
churches  are  the  result,  with  every  needful  indication 
for  good  in  the  future,  as  the  report  of  our  brethren  who 
have  labored  in  this  field  will  confirm.  Those  few  breth- 
ren have  done  what  they  could,  and  still  anxious  for  the 
work  to  go  on,  and  desire  to  see  all  our  brethren  and  sis- 
ters doing  what  they  can  to  strengthen  those  weak  churches 
and  extend  the  work,  and  we  feel  assured  that  if  our  breth- 
renand  sisters  knew  how  manv  are  anxiously  desiring  to 
have  the  word  preached  by  Baptists  their  Avilling  hearts 
and  readv  hands  would  at  once  furnish  necessarv  means  to 


Union  Baptist  Association.  131 

those  few  and  faithful,  yet  feeble  brethren  in  this  section 
to  have  the  gospel  fully  preached  unto  them.  A\'e  feel  as- 
sured that  very  soon  self-sustaining  churches  could  be 
reared,  and  they  would  extend  the  cause.  AA'ith  confidence 
in  your  willingness  to  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  we 
recommend  this  plan :  that  the  Association  appoint  at  least 
one  delegate,  present  from  each  church,  to  read  or  have 
read  this  circular  to  his  church,  and  insist  on  immediate 
action,  each  church  choosing  the  way  and  amount  to  be 
given,  and  that  the  collection  be  made  quarterly ;  the  first 
collection  to  be  made  and  forwarded  to  the  Executive 
Board,  Bro.  C.  Austin  chairman,  at  ]\Ionroe,  and  Brethren 
S.  H.  Parker  and  T.  Redfearn.  Where  a  better  plan  can- 
not be  arrived  at  we  suggest  that  those  brethren  thus  ap- 
pointed ask  10  cents  monthly,  or  30  cents  quarterly,  from 
each  member  for  this  special  object,  it  being  consistent  and 
in  perfect  harmony  with  God's  word,  as  we  are  therein 
informed  to  lay  by  us  in  store  as  God  prospers  us,  to  sup- 
port and  advance  the  kingdom  of  God. 

J.  E.  King,  Chairman. 

The  house  of  worship  at  [Monroe  was  under  way  of  con- 
struction at  this  time,  and,  as  it  usually  is,  they  were  in  a 
great  strain  to  finish  it.  A  plea  was  put  in  for  the  brethren 
to  aid  the  ^lonroe  brethren  all  they  could.  The  preachers 
were  asked  to  aid  they  could  in  this  matter. 

One  very  sad  thing  came  up  during  this  session.  It 
was  the  trial  of  a  preacher.  It  was  reported  that  Elder 
H.  B.  King  was  preaching  injurious  doctrines,  so  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  investigate  the  charges  and  see  if 
there  were  any  grounds  for  them,  and  they  made  the  fol- 
lowing report : 


132  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

"Your  committee  appointed  to  investigate  the  charge 
against  Elder  H.  B.  King  respectfully  submit  that  we  are 
satisfied  he  is  advocating  doctrine  injurious  to  the  Baptist 
denomination.  We  therefore  recommend  the  Association 
to  withdraw  its  fellowship  from  him,  and  further,  to  ap- 
point a  committee  of  ministers  to  visit  Pleasant  Plains 
church,  and  learn  if  they  have  endorsed  his  doctrine.  If 
so,  admonish  them  to  return  to  the  gospel  principles,  or 
they  will  be  expelled  from  the  Association.  We  further 
recommend  this  report  be  sent  to  the  Recorder." 

Elders  J.  E.  King,  J.  Wheeler  and  J.  A.  Bivins  were 
appointed  to  visit  Pleasant  Plains  and  report  to  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Association. 

This  committee  made  the  following  report  at  the  ses- 
sion of  1879: 

"Dear  Brethren :  As  your  committee  appointed  last 
session  to  visit  Pleasant  Plains  church,  we  submit  the  fol- 
lowing: We  did,  Friday  before  the  first  Sabbath  in  July, 
visit  the  church,  and  after  a  sermon  on  the  subject  of  com- 
munion and  the  perseverance  of  the  saints  combined,  call 
upon  the  church  to  declare  her  position  relative  to  this 
doctrine,  whereupon  she  did  affirm  her  steadfastness  in 
the  Baptist  view  thereof,  and  whereupon  we  did  counsel 
the  church  to  try  Rev.  H.  B.  King,  a  member  of  her  body, 
upon  the  charges  preferred  against  him  in  the  Association, 
and  report  her  action  to  this  sitting  of  the  Association." 

On  motion  Elder  J.  L.  Bennett  was  then  appointed,  to- 
gether with  the  Moderator,  to  act  with  the  committee 
which  visited  Pleasant  Plains  church  and  investigate  the 
charges  against  Rev.  H.  B.  King.  The  committee  acted 
at  once,  and   reported  that  Rev.   King  had  recanted,   and 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  133 

asked  the  brethren  to  forgive  him.  This  they  cheerfully 
did  when  it  was  learned  that  he  held  erroneous  doctrine 
for  lack  of  information. 

The  churches  reported  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  bap- 
tisms this  year,  six  hundred  and  thirty-one  in  Sunday 
School,  and  a  total  membership  of  fifteen  hundred  and 
seventy-one. 

This  was  a  lively  session,  and  resulted  in  much  good,  we 
hope. 

The  session  of  1879  was  held  with  Wadesboro  Baptist 
church,  October  9-11.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  J.  A.  Bivins  from  I  Cor.  xiv.  24.  Upon 
calling  the  roll  it  was  found  that  every  church  in  this 
Association  was  represented  at  the  first  sitting. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected  Moderator  and  W.  D. 
Webb  Clerk.  We  have  not  kept  account  to  see  how  many 
times  they  have  been  elected,  but  we  feel  sure  that  it  is 
more  than  a  dozen. 

A  new  church,  Center,  now  called  Norwood,  was  ad- 
mitted at  this  session.  The  delegates,  John  Green,  R.  H. 
Harris  and  J.  A.  ]\Iills,  were  recognized  and  given  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship.  This  church  w^as  located  in  the 
southern  section  of  Stanly  County,  near  the  Pee  Dee  river. 
The  sketch  of  it,  seen  in  the  last  of  this  book,  is  interesting 
matter. 

The  report  on  education  was  read  by  W.  D.  Gullege, 
and  was  discussed  by  Brethren  W.  A.  Graham,  Prof.  L. 
R.  Mills  and  W.  R.  B.  Gaddy.  Pending  the  adoption  of 
the  report  the  following  brethren  pledged  the  amounts  an- 
nexed to  their  names  to  aid  Bro.  D.  M.  Austin  in  obtain- 
ing an  education  and  preparing  for  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry : 


134  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

G.  W.  Harmon,  $5.00;  W.  D.  Gullege,  $5.00,  paid;  J. 
E.  King-,  $5.00;  Mrs.  Dr.  Covington,  $5.00;  A.  E.  Ben- 
nett, $10.00;  J.  L.  Bennett,  $5.00;  R.  B.  Gaddy,  $5.00; 
Beecher  Henry,  $5.00,  paid;  Geo.  Huntley,  $5.00;  Sister 
Fannie  Gaddy,  $5.00;  F.  L.  Davis,  $5.00;  name  not  given, 
$5.00. 

On  motion  each  pastor  in  this  Association  was  re- 
quested to  preach  a  sermon  on  ministerial  education  as  soon 
as  practicable,  and  take  up  a  collection  for  the  benefit  of 
Bro.  D.  M.  Austin. 

On  motion  Bro.  R.  B.  Gaddy  was  appointed  treasurer 
of  the  fund  to  be  raised  for  the  rehef  of  Bro.  D.  M.  Austin, 
who  was  then  a  student  at  Wake  Forest  College. 

We  do  not  know  whether  this  body  ever  aided  another 
boy  as  they  did  this  one  or  not,  but  this  was  so  good  of 
them  to  help  a  young  preacher  to  get  on  his  feet.  For 
sketch  of  Elder  D.  M.  Austin  see  biographical  table  in  the 
last  part  of  this  book. 

The  Hopewell  church  was  admitted  at  this  session,  but 
not  until  the  second  day.  The  delegates  were  late  in  get- 
ting there.  The  delegates,  Redick,  Pope  and  William 
Long,  were  received^  and  given  the  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship by  the  Moderator. 

This  was  a  good  session  of  the  Association.  The 
churches  reported  one  hundred  and  twenty  baptisms,  eight 
hundred  and  seventy  in  Svmday  School,  and  a  total  mem- 
bership of  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-five.  This 
report  shows  that  since  the  churches  adopted  the  Sunday 
School  work  they  were  steadily  going  forward. 

The  twenty-sixth  session  of  the  Brown  Creek  xA.ssocia- 
tion  met  with  Olive  Branch  church  October  7-11,  1880. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  135 

Elder  C.  T.  Bailey,  editor  of  the  Biblical  Recorder,  by 
request,  preached  the  introductory  sermon  from  Alatt.  v.  14. 

The  usual  officers  were  elected — E.  L.  Davis  Modera- 
tor, W.  D.  Webb  Clerk. 

Hamer  Creek,  ^Montgomery,  a  newly  organized  church, 
through  her  pastor,  Elder  T.  B.  Xewberry,  presented  a 
letter  asking  for  admission  into  this  body.  The  petition 
was  granted  and  the  delegates  welcomed  to  seats  with  the 
other  delegates.  The  church  at  Macedonia,  organized  this 
year,  also  asked  for  admission,  and  was  unanimously  re- 
ceived. 

The  Blount  Pleasant  church  asked  for  admission  into 
the  body,  and  was  also  received.  This  was  a  good  showing 
for  the  work.  Three  new  churches  in  one  year  was  doing 
pretty  well.  - 

Dr.  T.  H.  Pritchard  attended  this  session,  and  was  re- 
ceived very  heartily.  He  was  president  of  Wake  Forest 
College,  and  came  to  this  Association  in  the  interest  of 
Christian  education.  Dr.  Pritchard  made  the  following 
report : 

"Your  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  as  a  state  and 
as  a  denomination  it  is  our  duty  to  promote,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, the  cause  of  Education.  For  all  experience  has 
shown  that  just  in  proportion  to  the  intelligence  of  a  people- 
will  he  their  material  prosperity.  ( )ur  children  should  be 
educated,  and  as'  we  can  not  allow  other  churches  to  train 
them  we  must  have  schools  of  our  own.  We-  are  gratified 
to  be  able  to  state  that  we  have  female  schools  of  high- 
grade  at  Murfreesboro,  Wilson,  Oxford  and  Thomasville, 
and  good  academies  in  many  parts  of  the  state.  Wake 
Forest  College  is  enjoying  unusual  prosperity;    during  the 


136  History  of  the  Browx  Creek 

last  year  there  were  one  hundred  and  seventy-one  students 
in  attedance  there,  of  whom  thirty  were  young  preachers 
who  paid  no  tuition,  and  the  college  thus  gave  to  the  de- 
nomination $1,800  in  the  education  of  young  preachers. 
There  will  prohably  be  more  students  for  the  ministry  this 
year  than  last,  and  twenty  have  already  been  accepted  by 
the  Board  of  Education ;  a  larger  number  than  the  Board 
has  ever  had  under  its  direction  before.  As  a  very  con- 
siderable increase  of  means  must  be  provided  for  this  in- 
crease of  beneficiaries  the  Board  of  Education  respectfully 
asks  this  Association  to  aid  in  the  support  of  these  worthy 
young  men." 

These  appeals  were  gladly  heard  at  these  sessions  of 
the  Association,  and  liberal  responses  were  made.  The 
Association  has  always  believed  in  education,  possibly  more 
in  the  past  than  it  now  does.  The  demands  are  greater 
as  the  years  go  by,  and  people  become  more  covetous  as 
they  become  wealthier ;  then,  as  the  demands  are  made, 
they  become  more  sensitive.  The  brethren  at  this  day 
were  not  so.  They  opened  their  pocketbooks  more  readily 
than  they  do  today.  True,  they  did  not  have  so  much  to 
give,  but  what  they  gave  vvas  more  than  what  we  give 
today. 

It  was  reported  to  this  Association  that  Elder  Samuel 
P.  ^ilorton  was  very  feeble,  and  needed  financial  aid  ;  ac- 
cordingly, a  collection  amounting  to  twelve  dollars  vrns 
taken  for  him  and  put  into  the  hands  of  Bro.  J.  P.  Hill, 
to  be  expended  for  his  benefit.  Elder  [Morton  lived  near 
Ansonville  at  this  time. 

The  churches  reported  108  baptisms  this  year,  I.SIO 
members,  and  947  in  Sunday  School. 


Uniox  Baptist  Associatiox.  137 

The  twenty-seventh  session  met  with  the  church  ar 
]\Ionroe,  October  6-10,  1881.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Elder  W.  B.  Harrell  from  Isa.  lii.  1.  The 
churches  were  well  represented  at  this  meeting,  and  the 
former  ^Moderator,  E.  L.  Davis,  declined  re-election,  so  a 
new  one  had  to  be  chosen.  It  resulted  in  the  election  of 
Bro.  R.  B.  Gaddy.  Bro.  A\'.  D.  AA'ebb  was  re-elected  Clerk. 
Delegates  from  the  churches  at  ]\Iatthews  with  a  letter 
from  the  Rocky  River  Association  were  received  and  ihe 
hand  of  fellowship  extended  them. 

Elders  J.  B.  Boone.  T.  J.  Rooke  and  Bro.  H.  L.  Hinson 
from  the  South  Yadkin  were  welcomed  to  seats  in  the  body. 

Pleasant  Plains  Church  presented  two  letters  at  this 
session.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  determine  which 
was  the  real  report.  The  one  presented  the  first  day  was 
accepted  in  part.  This  church  had  given  much  trouble  all 
along.  They  seemed  to  be  easily  torn  from  their  moorings. 
This  is  such  a  sad  condition.  Some  brethren  do  not  seem 
to  think  of  the  good  they  might  do.  but  want  their  way 
about  things,  whatever  the  cost  may  be.  This  church  was 
torn  up  by  things  of  this  kind. 

The  Old  Cross  Roads  Church,  which  was  dropped  some 
time  prior  to  this  session,  was  reported  revived,  and  a  re- 
quest was  made  to  receive  it  again  and  give  it  another 
chance.  The  petition  was  granted.  We  are  not  sure  that 
we  know  just  vvdiere  this  church  was  located,  but  we  shall 
try  to  locate  it  in  the  sketches  given  of  the  churches  in 
the  latter  part  of  this  book. 

This  was  a  great  session.  John  E.  Ray  of  Raleigh 
and  Prof.  W.  L.  Poteat  of  Wake  Forest  were  in  attend- 
ance,  and  made  great  speeches   on   Sunday   School   work. 


138  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

The  churches  reported  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  bap- 
tisms this  year,  a  total  membership  of  two  thousand  and 
thirty-one,  and  one  thousand  and  thirteen  in  Sunday 
School.  There  were  eleven  churches  at  this  time  without 
Sunday  Schools,  and  many  of  those  that  had  them  did  not 
have  a  very  large  attendance,  but  there  was  a  marked  in- 
crease in  this  work. 

The  twenty-eighth  annual  session  of  the  Brown  Creek 
Association  met  with  Mount  Olive  Baptist  church  October 
5-8,  1882.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Elder  John  E.  King,  from  Heb.  ix.  9,  first  clause,  "which 
was  a  figure." 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  Elder  E.  L.  Davis 
Moderator,  W.  D.  Webb  Clerk  and  A.  Lowry  Treasurer. 

Benton's  Cross  Roads  Church;  organized  September  26, 
1882,  made  application  for  admission  and  was  unanimous- 
ly received. 

The  Liberty  Hill  Baptist  Church,  in  Chesterfield  Coun- 
ty, S.  C,  was  admitted  at  this  session.  The  delegates 
were  given  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  and  invited  to 
seats  with   us. 

Elder  O.  F.  Gregory,  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
at  Charlotte,  was  welcomed  by  the  Moderator.  He  was 
Vice-President  of  the  Foreign  ]\Iission  Board  at  this 
time,  so  he  came  in  the  interest  of  that  cause. 

This  session  was  not  as  important  as  some  before. 
There  was  not  the  interest  shown  that  had  formerly  been. 
No  record  of  w^hat  was  done  during  the  year  has  come 
into  our  hands.  The  Sunday  School  work  is  left  out,  and 
also  all  the  financial  tables. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  139' 

The  session  of  1883  was  held  with  the  church  at  Mat- 
thews, Mecklenburg  County,  October  11-15.  The  brother 
appointed  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  not  being 
present.  Elder  A.  C.  Davis  moved  that  the  sermon  be- 
preached  by  Elder  T.  J.  Rooke,  and  that  it  be  deferred 
until  evening.  The  motion  carried.  So  the  introductory 
sermon  was  not  preached  until  that  night.  It  was  preached 
from  Psa.  cxix.  13.  "The  entrance  of  thy  word  giveth 
light." 

The  former  clerk,  W.  D.  Webb,  was  not  present  at  this- 
session,  so  a  new  clerk  had  to  be  elected.  The  election 
resulted  in  J.  W.  Bivins  for  clerk.  Brother  Webb  held  the 
position  for  many  years,  and  it  did  not  look  right  for  the 
Association  to  be  without  him,  but  his  successor  filled  the 
place  as  well  as  he.  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  re-elected 
Moderator  and  H.  V.  Massey  Treasurer. 

Black  Creek,  a  newly  organized  church  in  Chesterfield 
County,  S.  C,  petitioned  for  membership  in  this  Associa- 
tion. The  petition  was  granted,  and  the  delegates  given 
seats  with  us.     This  church  is  located  near  Pageland,  S.  C. 

A  letter  from  Grove  Springs,  a  newly  organized  Baptist 
church  near  Beaver  Dam,  was  presented,  and  unanimously 
received.  The  church  since  this  time  has  been  moved  into 
the  town  of  Marshville,  and  is  now  called  Marshville  Bap- 
tist church. 

The  Center  (now  Norwood  Baptist  Church)  asked  for 
a  letter  of  dismission  at  this  session.  It  was  granted.  A  little 
misunderstanding  arose  between  Meadow  Branch  Church 
and  Olive  Branch  because  of  some  members  who  had  been 
excluded.  The  minutes  are  not  very  clear  on  the  subject. 
We  suppose  the  clerk  said  as  little  as  possible  about  it  since 


140  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

such  tilings  are  to  be  so  greatly  regretted.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  adjust  the  matter,  which,  we  suppose, 
it  did. 

The  Rocky  Alount  Church,  in  its  letter  to  this  session, 
asked  this  question:  "Is  an  excluded  deacon,  on  restora- 
tion to  the  church,  restored  to  his  office"?  A  committee 
composed  of  Elders  J.  L.  Bennett,  J.  E.  King  and  W.  B. 
Harrell  said  that  he  was  not. 

The  Association  was  now  composed  of  twenty-six 
churches,  with  a  membership  of  seventeen  hundred  and 
seventy-six.  It  reached  from  Montgomery  County  to  -^lat- 
thews,  in  Mecklenburg  County,  and  as  far  south  as  Page- 
land,  S.  C. 

This  chapter  covers  eighteen  years  of  the  history  of 
the  Brown  Creek  Association,  and  during  this  time  won- 
derful changes  have  taken  place.  It  begins  with  the  year 
of  1865,  when  the  South  was  torn  into  shreds  by  the  ter- 
rible war  that  we  had  just  passed  through.  Our  homes 
were  impoverished,  our  men  were  lying  on  Mrginia's  hills, 
our  fortunes  were  gone,  our  people  were  discouraged,  but 
they  had  faith  in  God  to  go  on  with  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

The  membership  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association  at 
the  close  of  the  war  was  barely  a  thousand,  but  now  it 
numbers  about  two  thousand.  Then  there  were  no  Sunday 
Schools ;  now  there  are  about  eighteen,  with  an  enrollment 
of  more  than  a  thousand ;  then  nothing  was  done  for  mis- 
sions except  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association ;  now  it 
is  contributing  considerable  to  Foreign  ^fissions,  besides 
a  large  amount  to  State  Alissions ;  then  there  were  no 
beneficiaries  at  \A'ake  Forest;  now  we  have  more  than 
:twentv,  and  one  has  been  educated  from  this  Association ; 


UxiON  Baptist  Association.  141 

then  the  sessions  embraced  but  three  days ;  now  they  em- 
brace four  days. 

From  1865  to  1883  there  has  been  quite  a  change  in  the 
personnel  of  the  Association.  Elders  A.  L.  Stough,  S.  J. 
Fincher,  J.  F.  AlcLure,  W.  F.  Brasington,  S.  P.  Morton, 
T.  J.  Taylor  and  others  have  passed  from  this  section,  and 
others  have  taken  their  places.  Harmon,  Flarrell,  Davis, 
Wheeler,  King,  Bennett,  Bivins,  Snider  and  many  others 
are  the  men  the  Association  closes  this  chapter  with. 

During  this  eighteen  years  such  men  as  Pritchard, 
Boone,  Poteat,  Gregory,  Rooke,  Bailey,  Mills  and  possibly 
others  have  visited  the  Association  and  have  taken  a  part 
in  the  deliberations  of  the  body. 

The  transition  period  is  just  ahead  of  us,  so  we  pass 
to  that.  Marvelous  changes  are  just  ahead,  so  we  look 
forward,  and  not  backward. 


142  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Name  Changed — The  Association  Undertakes  New 
Things — Time  of  Meeting  Changed — New  Moder- 
ator— First  Step  Toward  the  Establishment  of  a 
High  School — Sunday  School  Convention  Organ- 
ized— A/Iany  Churches  Take  Letters. 

We  now  enter  upon  the  season  of  progress  in  this  Asso- 
ciation. It  made  some  very  rapid  strides  forward  during 
the  last  period,  but  nothing  to  compare  with  what  it  does 
during  the  sessions  we  are  to  speak  of  in  this  chapter. 
This  chapter  begins  with  the  thirtieth  session  held  with 
Shiloh  Baptist  Church  October  16-19,  1884.  Rev.  J.  L. 
Bennett  preached  the  introductory  sermon  from  I  John 
iii.  22. 

The  roll  of  churches  changes  some  as  we  begin  this 
chapter.  Nearly  all  of  the  churches  in  Anson  County  are 
left  off.  No  mention  is  made  of  them,  but  we  suppose  that 
they  called  for  letters  to  join  the  Anson  Association,  which 
existed  for  a  few  years.  The  churches  which  are  left  out 
of  the  list  this  time  are  Rocky  River,  Mt.  Olive,  Deep 
Creek,  Cedar  Grove  and  [Mineral  Springs  and  Polkton.  It 
is  strange  that  the  clerk  missed  so  important  a  matter  as 
this.  But  if  he  mentioned  it  we  cannot  find  the  item.  We 
have  read  all  of  them  up  to  this  meeting  as  carefully  as  we 
possibly  could,  but  have  not  been  able  to  see  the  least  men- 
tion made  of  their  going  away.  Jerusalem  and  Cross 
Roads  dropped  out  at  this  session,  but  they  had  disbanded. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  143 

The  Rocky  River  Association  disbanded  about  this  time 
to  form  the  Stanly  and  the  Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus,  so 
those  churches  in  Union  County  belonging  to  that  body 
came  to  the  I^nion  at  this  session.  They  were  Mill  Creek 
and  Ebenezer. 

Elder  D.  M.  Austin  was  elected  Moderator  for  this  ses- 
sion and  Bro.  J.  W.  Bivins  Clerk.  This  was  a  new  outfit 
in  some  respects.  Brother  Bivins  had  served  one  year  as 
clerk,  but  Elder  Austin  was  a  new  man  at  the  wheel.  They 
served  well,  as  the  minutes  show. 

Hamer  Creek^  Montgomery,  asked  for  a  letter  of  dis- 
mission to  join  the  ^Montgomery  Association,  and  Elizabeth 
asked  for  one  to  join  the  Chesterfield.  These  letters  were 
granted. 

This  important  notice  is  made  in  the  minutes :  "Re- 
solved, That  we,  the  ministers  and  delegates  of  this  body, 
lay  the  matter  of  the  importance  of  education  before  our 
churches, 'and  take  up  a  collection  for  the  encouragement 
and  assistance  of  Bro.  J.  S.  Bivins,  and  forward  to  J.  W. 
Bivins  to  send  to  him."  We  are  sorry  to  say  that  young 
Brother  Bivins  did  not  get  to  prove  to  the  brethren  that 
he  appreciated  what  they  did  for  him.  The  Lord  called 
him  home  before  he  preached  many  times.  He  meant  more 
to  heaven  than  he  did  to  the  cause  here,  so  the  Lord  took 
him. 

The  following  resolution  was  made  by  Elder  Joseph 
Bivins:  "Whereas,  We  deem  it  of  highest  importance  that 
unity  in  Baptist  usage  and  doctrine  should  be  preserved 
in  our  body  for  the  good  of  our  people  and  the  glory  of 
God;  therefore  Resolved,  That  our  Association  appoint  a 
committee  of  five  brethren,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  con- 
sult and  advise   with   any  church   wishing  their   co-opera- 


144  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

tion."  The  following'  brethren  were  appointed  on  the  com- 
mittee. J.  A.  Bivins,  Jas.  Robertson,  C.  Austin,  J.  L.  Ben- 
nett, H.  Bivins.  This  was  a  wise  step.  So  many  churches 
do  not  know  w^hat  Baptists  beheve.  They  need  instruc- 
tion, and  plenty  of  it. 

Another  important  thing  was  done  at  this  session.  From 
the  first  meeting  up  to  this  time  the  •  Association  had  been 
called  The  Brown  Creek,  but  now  that  the  churches  in 
Anson  County  had  pulled  out  to  form  a  new  association, 
was  it  not  a  fitting  thing  to  change  the  name  of  the  body? 
At  this  session  Elder  J.  A.  Bivins  offered  a  motion  to  the 
effect  that  the  name  be  changed  from  The  BroWn  Creek  to 
The  Union  Baptist  Association.  The  motion  carried,  and 
since  then  it  has  been  called  The  Union  Association.  Be- 
cause of  its  former  name  we  call  this  history  "The  Brown 
Creek-Union  Baptist  Association." 

This  closing  remark  is  appended  to  the  minutes :  "Thus 
closed  in  harmony  and  love  a  prosperous  session  of  our 
Association."     Would  God  this  could  be  said  all  the  time. 

The  Association  at  this  time  was  composed  of  twenty- 
three  churches  wath  a  membership  of  two  thousand  and 
seventy-eight  and  eight  hundred  and  fifty-one  in  Sunday 
School. 

The  above  chapter  marks  the  beginning  of  the  era  of 
progress  along  nearly  every  line  of  Christian  endeavor. 

The  thirty-first  session  of  the  Union  Association  met 
with  Bethel  Baptist  church  October  15-18,  1885.  The  in- 
troductory sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  D.  A.  Snider 
from  Matt.  11:28-29. 

The  churches  were  well  represented,  and  many  visiting 
brethren  were  present.     At  this  time  brethren  were  more 


Union  Baptist  Association.  145 

anxious  to  attend  these  general  meetings  than  they  are  to- 
day. They  hked  to  mingle  together  so  much  that  they 
would  travel  for  miles  just  to  spend  one  or  two  days  with 
the  brethren. 

The  former  officers  were  re-elected  for  this  session. 
Rev.  G.  O.  Wilhoit  attended  this  session  for  the  first  time. 
He  came  as  a  messenger  from  the  newly  formed  Anson 
Association.  ^^lissionary  R.  T.  Br}'an  of  China  was  pres- 
ent at  this  session,  and  made  some  thrilling  speeches  on 
Foreign  Missions.  John  E.  Ray  was  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary^ of  the  State  Mission  Board  at  this  time.  He  was 
present  to  take  part  in  the  deliberations  of  the  hour. 

Cane  Creek,  a  newdy  organized  Baptist  church  in  the 
southern  part  of  Union  County,  was  received  at  this  ses- 
sion of  the  Union  Association. 

The  following  sad  note  was  given  in  the  report  on  Obit- 
uaries :  "A  young  and  zealous  brother  has  been  called  from 
Faulks  church.  J.  S.  Bivins  was  only  twenty-two  years 
old.  Enthusiastic  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  he  spent  one 
year  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  was  called  up  higher. 
Tw^o  weeks  of  severe  illness  was  borne  with  perfect  resig- 
nation to  the  will  of  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well.  He 
sang  one  stanza  of  "Alas,  and  Did  Aly  Savior  Bleed,"  and 
immediately  went  to  join  the  heavenly  choir.  While  we 
deeply  mourn  his  loss,  we  can  truly  say:  "Let  me  die  the 
death  of  the  righteous  and  let  my  last  end  be  like  his." 
We  have  mentioned  this  occurence  above,  but  we  could 
not  leave  this  sad  word  off. 

At  this  session  of  the  Union  Association  the  delegates 
from  Olive  Branch  Church  brought  charges  against  the 
Meadow  Branch  Church  for  retaining  ministers  who  have 

10 


146  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

received  into  an  organization  members  who  had  been  ex- 
chided  from  that  church.  We  mentioned  a  matter  in  a  former 
chapter  about  this  same  misunderstanding,  and  now  the 
same  old  serpent  bobs  up  once  more.  This  accusation 
against  Meadow  Branch  did  not  amount  to  anything.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  investigate.  We  see  no  ac- 
count of  the  report  they  made,  so  we  conclude  that  it  did 
not  amount  to  very  much. 

On  Sundays  of  the  associations  during  this  period  there 
was  preaching  by  two  or  more  of  the  very  best  preachers 
to  be  had.  Rev.  D.  M.  Austin  and  Rev.  R.  T.  Bryan 
preached  at  this  session  on  Sunday. 

The  churches  reported  one  hundred  and  eighteen  bap- 
tisms and  a  membership  of  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty- 
six. 

The  thirty-second  session  of  the  Union  Association  was 
held  with  the  Hopewell  Baptist  church  October  7-10,  1886. 
Elder  A.  C.  Davis  preached  the  introductory  sermon  from 
Psa.  cxxvi.  6. 

The  churches  were  well  represented,  and  one  church 
petitioned  for  membership  in  this  body.  It  was  Pleasant 
Hill,  which  had  formerly  been  a  member  of  the  Rocky 
River  Association,  but  it  was  dissolved  now,  and  since 
Pleasant  Hill  was  on  the  Union  County  side  it  desired  to 
join  the  Union  Association.  It  was  received.  Rev.  D.  M. 
Austin  was  re-elected  Moderator  and  J.  W.  Bivins  Clerk. 
Bro.  H.  V.  Massey  was  re-elected  Treasurer. 

Elder  J.  M.  McCurdy,  the  iirst  person  baptized  in  Ca- 
barrus County,  was  present  as  a  messenger  from  the  Aleck- 
lenburg  and  Cabarrus  Association.  He  was  reared  a  Luth- 
■eran,  and  had  never  heard  a  Baptist  preach  until  he  was 


Union  Baptist  Association.  147 

a  grown  up  man.  A  tobacco  man  stopped  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Howells  Church  and  preached  the  following  Sun- 
day afternoon  on  "Regeneration."  McCurdy  said  that  this 
was  the  first  gospel  he  had  heard,  and,  as  a  result,  he  was 
baptized.  The  tobacco  hauler  proved  to  be  Elder  C.  W. 
Bessent  of  Davidson  County. 

Rev.  H.  W.  Battle  was  present  at  this  session  to  rep- 
resent the  Baptist  Orphanage  at  Thomasville,  and  re- 
quested that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  report  on  the 
Orphanage  at  this  session.  Up  to  this  time  no  report  had 
been  made  on  this  work.  The  committee  made  the  fol- 
lowing report:  "The  chief  of  all  graces  is  charity.  God 
has  left  his  poor  to  our  care.  In  the  development  of  our 
Christian  characters  nothing  so  well  shapes  them  as  our 
sacrificing  for  the  support  of  those  who  cannot  support 
themselves.  Whatever  sacrifice  we  might  make  for  Christ 
would  be  small  compared  to  what  he  did  for  us.  in  suffer- 
ing the  death  of  the  cross.  In  giving  of  our  necessities, 
therefore,  to  the  Baptist  Orphanage  we  honor  God.  We 
become  more  like  him ;  because  in  helping  the  helpless  we 
manifest  his  love  dwelling  in  our  hearts.  For  years  there 
has  been  a  necessity  for  a  Baptist  Orphanage.  The  work 
was  finally  undertaken,  and  God  is  raising  up  friends  for 
it  on  every  side.  Four  buildings  are  already  completed  and 
four  more  are  to  be  built,  including  a  chapel.  Thirty-four 
orphans  arc  being  cared  for.  Besides  this,  measures  have 
been  taken  for  the  erection,  on  the  grounds,  of  a  home  for 
aged  and  worn-out  ministers  of  the  gospel.  Who  is  it  that 
will  not  contribute  to  an  object  of  this  kind?  This  Asso- 
ciation recommends,  therefore,  that  the  church  take  regu- 
lar collections  for  the  Baptist  Orphanage  and  forward  the 


148  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

amounts  to  J.  H.  JNIills,  Thomasville,  X.  C."  This  was 
the  beginning  of  the  Orphanage  work  in  this  Association. 
We  have  not  been  awakened  as  we  should  on  this  impor- 
tant workj  but  we  see  and  know  that  the  brethren  were  on 
the  right  track  when  they  began  this  wonderful  enterprise. 

The  largest  salary  paid  by  any  church  during  this  year 
was  nine  hundred  dollars.  Monroe  was  the  church  that 
paid  it.  The  lowest  salary  paid  was  twenty  dollars.  Sev- 
eral of  the  churches  reported  nothing  paid.  We  imagine 
that  the  reports  were  correct,  for  we  know  some  brethren 
who  preached  to  churches  years  at  a  time  and  did  not  re- 
ceive a  penny.  Some  we  know  who  did  not  receive  more 
than  five  dollars.  This  was  a  trying  time  on  the  preachers, 
and  the  brethren  were  the  means  the  Lord  used  to  try 
them. 

The  statistics  show  that  we  were  baptizing  the  folks, 
but  we  were  not  training  them  to  serve  the  Lord.  During 
this  year  we  baptized  two  hundred  and  eighty-five,  and 
the  total  membership  was  two  thousand  three  hundred 
and  thirty-seven. 

The  session  of  1887  was  held  with  ■Meadow  Branch 
Baptist  Church  October  6-9.  Rev.  C.  Durham  preached  the 
introductory  sermon  from  Heb.  xi.  L 

All  of  the  churches  were  represented  except  Pleasant 
Plains.  There  was  a  full  delegation  from  most  of  the 
churches.  There  seems  to  have  been  more  present  than 
there  usually  was. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  Maj.  J.  B.  Ashcraft 
for  Moderator  and  Bro.  J.  W.  Bivins  for  Clerk.  Bro.  C. 
A.  Ashcraft  was  elected  Treasurer. 

Several  visiting  brethren  were  present  at  this  session. 
Prof.  F.  P.  Hobgood,  President  of  Oxford  Female  Semi- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  149 

nary;  Rev.  J.  X.  Stallings,  President  of  Thomasville  Fe- 
male College;  Ero.  J.  ^I.  Liles,  from  the  Pee  Dee  Asso- 
ciation; Rev.  C.  S.  Farriss,  editor  of  the  Biblical  Recorder, 
and  Uncle  Jack  [Mills,  General  ^lanager  of  the  Thomas- 
ville Baptist  Orphanage.  These  were  all  welcomed  by  the 
Moderator. 

Xew  Salem  Baptist  Church  presented  a  letter  to  be  ad- 
mitted a  member  of  the  Union  Association,  but  was  not 
received  at  this  session.  It  had  taken  in  a  member  who 
had  been  excluded  from  the  fellowship  of  Pleasant  Plains 
church.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  investigate  the 
matter  more  fully.  The  committee  was  composed  of  R. 
Redfearn,  J.  L.  Bennett  and  A\'.  !\T  Johnson.  The  fol- 
lowing appears  in  the  minutes  of  1888:  "We,  your  com- 
mittee, appointed  to  investigate  the  complaint  on  the  part 
of  Pleasant  Plains  Church  against  X^ew  Salem,  petitioning 
for  membership  in  this  Association,  make  the  following 
report:  That  X^ew  Salem  church  holds  as  a  member  and 
as  pastor  Rev.  H.  B.  King,^  he  having  been  excluded 
from  the  Pleasant  Plains  Church. 

R.   Redfearn, 
J.  W.  BiviNS, 

Committee. 

The  X'cAV  Salem  letter  seems  to  have  been  withdrawn 
for  the  time  being,  but  in  the  session  of  1889  they  were 
received  into  the  fellowship  of  this  body.  ^latthews  church 
was  granted  a  letter  of  dismission  at  this  session  that  it 
might  join  the  Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus  Association. 

The  old  custom  of  appointing  a  committee  on  obituary 
at   each    session    of   the    Association    was    discontinued    at 


150  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

this  session,  and  a  historian  appointed.  But  we  are  sorry 
to  say  that  the  historian  never  reported  anything.  The  im- 
portant matters  that  ought  to  have  been  reported  were  left 
off.  The  historian's  excuse  was  that  no  reports  had  been 
made  to  him. 

We  find  this  interesting  item  appended  to  the  minutes 
of  1887: 

"We,  the  ministers  of  the  Union  Association,  beg  leave 
to  submit  the  following  paper  to  the  Association  for  con- 
sideration : 

"Dear  Brethren:  We  believe  that  one  of  our  greatest 
needs  is  the  cultivation  and  proper  training  of  the  children 
and  youths  under  our  supervision.  They  can  only  be  use- 
ful and  efficient  as  they  have  ability  to  do.  We  have  been 
reliably  informed  that  the  owners  of  Rock  Rest  Academy 
will  donate  their  house  and  grounds  thereof  to  the  Union 
Association,  provided  the  Association  will  maintain  a  good 
school  at  the  above  named  place.  Rock  Rest  is  located  near 
the  center  of  the  Association,  and  is  noted  as  a  healthy  and 
accessible  point.  And,  further,  the  surrounding  commu- 
nity is  equal  in  morals,  sociability  and  hospitality  to  any 
in  the  Association.  We  believe  this  to  be  the  golden  op- 
portunity for  the  brethren  of  this  body  to  establish  for 
their  children  a  school,  permanent  and  useful.  Our  body 
numbers  2,500  members.  This  would  be  an  easy  work 
for  the  brethren,  if  united  and  determined  on  it.  We,  the 
ministers  of  the  Association,  do  most  heartily  commend 
this  work  to  the  brethren,  with  the  assurance  that  we  will 
prove  ourselves  faithful  colaborers  in  the  work." 

This  was  the  real  beginning  of  the  Associational  school 
idea  which  culminated  in  the  establishment  of  the  Winsrate 


Union  Baptist  Association.  151 

School.  From  the  beginning  of  this  Association  the 
brethren  were  strong  on  the  education  idea.  Many  strong 
resokitions  were  offered,  but  the  above  paper  was  the  first 
step  toward  the  erection  of  a  permanent  school  within  our 
own  bounds.  We  do  not  know  what  became  of  the  above 
petition,  but  if  it  were  entirely  ignored  it  did  much  good, 
as  we  all  can  now  see. 

The  session  of  1888  was  held  with  Rocky  ]\Iount  Bap- 
tist Church  October  12-13.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  R.  II.  James  from  Psa.  xxxiv.  3.  The 
delegation  was  not  as  large  as  it  was  at  the  former  session. 
Rocky  Alount  was  considerably  to  one  side  of  the  territory 
covered  by  this  Association,  making  it  a  little  difficult  for 
the  brethren  to  attend. 

Grove  Springs  Church  changed  its  name  during  the 
year,  and  this  time  it  comes  up  as  Beaver  Dam. 

Elder  J.  A.  Bivins  was  elected  ^loderator  and  Bro.  J. 
W.  Bivins  was  re-elected  Clerk.  Oak  Grove,  a  newly  or- 
ganized Baptist  Church,  petitioned  for  membership  at  this, 
session,  and  was  unanimously  received. 

The  Black  Creek  Church  asked  for  a  letter  at  this  ses- 
sion to  join  the  Chesterfield  Association. 

The  churches  reported  $5,600  contributed  to  all  objects- 
during  the  year,  and  a  membership  of  2,412. 

The  session  of  1889  was  held  with  Philadelphia  Baptist 
Church  October  10-12.  The  introductory  sermon  was; 
preached  by  Rev.  J.  C.  Stowell  from  1  Sam.  xv.  23.  He 
was  present  in  the  interest  of  the  Home  Mission  Board. 

Bro.  J.  W.  Bivins  w^as  elected  Moderator  and  Randolph 
Redfearn  Clerk.     Y.  T.  Chears  was  Treasurer. 

The  Rocky  Alount  Church  asked  for  a  letter  of  dismis- 
sion to  join  the  Anson  Association.   The  letter  was  granted. 


152  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Pleasant  Plains  Church  had  failed  to  send  representa- 
tives to  the  Association  for  several  times,,  so  the  Moderator 
appointed  a  committee  to  visit  this  church  and  ascertain 
the  cause  of  their  neglect.  We  suppose  that  the  committee 
succeeded  well,  as  the  church  was  represented  at  the  next 
session  of  the  Association. 

The  clerk  has  this  closing  word  to  say  in  the  minutes: 

"Reclined  against  the  pulpit  stands  Old  Father  Davis, 
whose  achievements  have  gained  for  him  unfading  and 
deathless  laurels,  who  had  made  for  himself  an  unperish- 
able  record  for  valor,  constancy,  fortitude,  self-denial, 
faithfulness,  who  told,  as  the  tears  trickled  down  his  fur- 
rowed face,  of  some  of  the  work  that  had  been  done.  Then, 
said  he,  T  know  the  fathers  of  almost  all  of  you  ;  I  say  to 
you,  as  I  never  expect  to  meet  you  again,  die  in  the  service 
of  your  Master.  Push  onward  and  upward  ;  m}-  motto  for 
you  all  at  the  close  of  this  Association — -Feed  my  lambs ! 
Occupy  'till  I  come !  God  bless  you  all !  We  must  now 
say  Farewell.  Fare  ye  well,  my  brethren  and  friends !  Fare 
ye  well,  ministers  of  Jesus !  Fare  ye  all  well !  Fare  ye  well 
in  time,  fare  ye  well  to  all  eternity !'  " 

These  are,  in  substance,  some  of  the  words  which  fell 
from  the  old  brother's  lips  while  the  large  audience  sat 
with  faces  bathed  in  tears. 

This  last  word  was  added:  "Thus  ended  one  of  the 
most  successful  sessions  of  the  Union  Association." 

'Nothing  was  done  toward  forward  movements,  but  the 
things  which  remained  were  greatly  strengthened.  This 
means  more  sometimes  than  anything  else  that  can  be  done. 

The  session  of  1890  was  held  with  Beaver  Dam  Bap- 
tist Church  October  9-11.      The  introductory  sermon  was 


Union  Baptist  Association.  153 

preached  by  Rev.  A.  C.  Davis  from  Lnke  xxiv.  48.  Bro.  J. 
AV.  Bivins  was  re-elected  Aloderator,  Bro.  Hugh  Long 
Clerk  and  O.  ^I.   Sanders  Treasurer. 

There  was  a  very  good  representation  from  the  churches. 
Several  visiting  brethren  were  present.  Rev.  J.  X.  Stal- 
lings,  President  of  High  Point  Female  College ;  Prof.  J. 
B.  Carlyle,  from  ^^'ake  Forest,  and  Bro.  J.  W.  Griffin,  from 
the  Mecklenburp-  and  Cabarrus  Association.  These  were  all 
welcomed  to  seats  with  the  body. 

Later  on  in  the  Association  Rev.  J.  D.  Xewton  came  in 
the  interest  of  the  Orphanage.  He  was  a  son-in-law  of 
L'ncle  Jack  Alills. 

Herman  and  Hamilton's  Cross  Roads  petitioned  for 
membership  at  this  session.  They  were  found  to  be  ortho- 
dox and  therefore  were  admitted. 

Deep  Springs  Church  asked  for  a  letter  of  dismission 
from  this  body  to  join  the  Anson  Association.  The  letter 
was  granted. 

The  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  at  this  session 
is  especially  interesting.  Li  substance  it  is  as  follows : 
"Elders  J.  L.  Bennett  and  D.  A.  Snider,  have  supplied  Oak 
Grove  the  first  Sabbath  of  each  month.  They  have  a  house 
of  worship  hulled  in  so  that  they  can  use  it.  They  have 
had  five  additions  this  year.  The  outlook  is  good."  They 
have  also  preached  in  the  community  of  Steven's  !Mill,  but 
have  not  been  able  to  hold  any  meetings  of  days.  This 
was  not  very  far  from  ]\Iount  Harmony  church. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Hill  has  labored  at  Hermon  and  has  suc- 
ceeded in  organizing  a  church  which  we  feel  will  eventually 
be  quite  an  asset  to  the  cause  in  Union  County.  The 
brethren    were    verv    enthusiastic    about    missionarv    work 


154  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

during-  this  period.     A'lany  out  of  the  way  places  were  sup- 
phed  by  the  preachers  of  these  days. 

Old  Father  Davis  is  mentioned  again.  He  made  his 
farewell  address  at  the  last  session,  but  he  was  still  living 
when  this  Association  was  held,  and  had  more  to  say.  The 
clerk  has  this  word  about  him:  "During  the  session  of  the 
Association  Old  Father  Davis  was  present,  seemingly  en- 
joying good  health. 

Fie  spoke  on  Missions,  and  gave  a  brief  sketch  of  reli- 
gious conditions  in  our  country  fifty-nine  years  ago,  when 
the  only  available  place  of  worship  was  a  rude  hut  or  the 
open  forest. 

He  sketched,  briefly,  our  religious  growth  down  the 
fift}'-nine  years  of  his  ministry,  and  showed  our  present 
conditions,  and  the  great  work  accomplished  by  the  min- 
isters of  this  Association. 

Fie  pours  out  his  soul  in  urging  his  brethren — young- 
brethren  especially — to  continue  the  work  of  preaching- 
and  spreading  the  Gospel  of  Christ;  we  see  tears  roll  from 
the  eyes  of  the  people  swayed  by  the  earnestness  of  his 
open  heart. 

Flis  very  presence  seemed  to  inspire  all  with  a  feeling- 
of  reverence  and  enthusiasm  for  their  Master's  work.  AVith 
this  the  old  minister  of  seventy-nine  winters  bade  the 
brethren  of  the  LTnion  Association  an  affectionate  farewell. 
The  Baptists  of  this  Association  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude 
to  this  brother  which  only  God  can  pay." 

Old  Brother  Davis  preached  to  an  attentive  crowd  on 
Sunday  afternoon  at  2  o'clock.  The  house  was  bathed  in 
tears,  and  many  shouted  the  praises  of  the  Almighty  God. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  155 

This  was  the  closing  of  one  of  the  most  successful  ses- 
sions of  the  Union  Baptist  Association. 

The  session  of  1891  was  held  with  the  Shiloh  Baptist 
Church  October  8-10.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Harmon  from  I  Cor.  xv.  The 
churches  were  very  well  represeilted  at  the  first  session. 
Bro.  J.  W.  Bivins  declined  re-election  as  Moderator,  and 
Elder  J.  A.  Bivins  was  elected  in  his  stead;  Randolph 
Redfearn  was  re-elected  Clerk  and  O.  ]M.  Sanders  Treas- 
urer. !Much  interest  was  shown  in  Home  Mission  work 
at  this  session.  A  committee  in  each  church  was  appointed 
to  urge  the  people  to  do  their  best. 

During  the  Association  Elder  A.  C.  Davis  offered  a 
resolution  that  the  old  and  worn-out  preachers  be  cared 
for  by  this  Association.  The  Association  decided  to  ask 
all  of  the  churches  to  take  a  collection  for  the  Old  Min- 
isters' Relief  Board,  located  at  Durham,  N.  C.,,  some  time 
during  the  year.  This  was  the  first  time  anything  of  this 
kind  had  been  mentioned  in  this  Association.  Collections 
had  been  taken  for  individual  ministers  who  once  attended 
this  body,  but  nothing  of  a  general  nature  along  this  line 
had  been  done.  This  was  another  step  forward.  It  took 
the  Baptists  a  long  time  to  learn  to  walk. 

Rev.  M.  L.  Kesler,  then  representing  the  Colportage 
and  Sunday  School  work,  attended  this  session  of  the 
Union  Association.  He  is  now  the  General  Manager  of 
the  Thomasville  Baptist  Orphanage. 

Rev.    T.    N.    Stallings    made   a    strong   plea    for    female 
education   at   this   session   of  the   Union   Association.      He 
was   then    Presir^ent   of    the    High    Point    Female    College. 
All   of  these   efforts   have  been  toward   the   upbuilding   of 
this  section  and  the  strengthening  of  the  Baptist  cause. 


156  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

This  was  one  of  the  most  encouraging  sessions  of  the 
Union  Baptist  Association  held  up  to  this  time. 

The  thirty-eighth  session  of  the  Union  County  Baptist 
Association  was  held  with  A\"axhaw  Baptist  church  Octo- 
ber 4-8/1892.  The  time  of  meeting  was  changed  at  this 
session  from  Thursday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  Octo- 
ber to  Thursday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  November. 
The  change  did  not  last  long.  Some  of  the  churches  were 
not  satisfied  with  it,  and  so  kept  sending  up  requests  for 
it  to  be  moved  back.  Aleadow  Branch  was  the  one  that 
persisted  most  in  this  appeal,  and  finally  it  succeeded  in 
getting  it  moved  to  October,  as  it  formerly  was. 

Bro.  B.  Clegg  Ashcraft  was  elected  Moderator  for  this 
session  and  Randolph  Redfearn  Clerk. 

Sandy  Ridge  and  Antioch  churches  petitioned  for  mem- 
bership in  this  body.  Upon  being  found  orthodox  they 
were  admitted  and  their  delegates  were  given  the  right 
"hand  of  fellowship. 

Uncle  Jack  Mills  attended  this  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  interest  of  the  Thomasville  Baptist  Orphanage, 
of  which  he  was  general  manager  at  this  time.  It  was  a 
benediction  to  hear  him  in  his  gross  way  tell  of  the  Fath- 
erless Ones  he  had  under  his  care.  He  was  the  originator 
of  the  Orphanage  work  in  North  Carolina,  and  loved  the 
work  as  but  few  men  have  since  his  day. 

The  Moriah  Church  asked  for  a  letter  of  dismission  to 
join  the  Chesterfield  Association.     The  letter  was  given. 

The  session  of  1893  was  held  with  the  church  at  Alon- 
Toe  November  9-11.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  A.  C.  Davis  from  I  Cor.  xv.  58. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  157 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  Elder  J.  A.  Bivins 
for  Moderator,  Randolph  Redfearn  for  Clerk  and  John 
W.  Bivins  for  Treasurer. 

Rev.  AI.  A.  Adams,  the  pastor  of  Alonroe  Baptist  Church, 
made  an  address  of  welcome.  The  term  delegate  was 
changed  to  messenger.  This  was  a  very  wise  thing.  So 
many  organizations  have  delegates,  but  the  churches  have 
messengers.  Mount  Harmony  Church  was  received  at  this 
session.  It  is  located  in  Mecklenburg  County,  but  has 
always  belonged  to  the  Union  Association. 

Deep  Springs  church  called  for  a  letter  of  dismission 
at  a  session  a  little  prior  to  this,  but  now  desires  to  be- 
received  back  into  this  body.  It  was  unanimously  re- 
ceived, and  has  remained  with  us  ever  since  this  time. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  too  feeble  to  attend  this  session 
of  the  Association,  so  the  brethren  made  him  up  a  purse 
of  $9.25  and  sent  it  to  him. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported  that  they  had  pur- 
chased the  Protestant  Methodist  church  house  at  Mount 
Harmony  at  a  cost  of  $100;  the  most  of  this  amount  had 
been  paid  or  subscribed. 

The  Union  Baptist  Sunday  School  Convention  has  a 
minute  of  its  session  held  with  Hopewell  Baptist  Church 
appended  to  the  minutes  of  1893.  We  do  not  know  whether 
this  was  the  first  convention  or  not,  but  this  we  can  say : 
they  had  a  splendid  program,  and  we  feel  sure  some  very 
interesting  speeches  were  made,  since  they  had  some  very 
strong  men  in  attendance.  Elder  A.  B.  Caudle  was  Presi- 
dent of  the  convention.  It  is  a  pity  that  it  is  not  in  exist- 
ence todav. 


158  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  Union  Baptist  Association  held  its  fortieth  annual 
session  with  Hopewell  Baptist  Church  November  8-10,  1894. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  D.  A.  Sni- 
der from  Luke  xi.  11.  Prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  R.  H. 
James.  A  good  representation  of  the  messengers  from  the 
churches  was  present.  The  former  Moderator  called  the 
session  to  order,  and  had  roll  of  churches  called  and  mes- 
sengers' names  enrolled.  The  election  of  officers  followed, 
which  resulted  in  Bro.  H.  E.  Copple  for  Moderator  and 
Randolph  Redfearn  for  Clerk.  Bro.  J.  W.  Bivins  was  con- 
tinued as  Treasurer. 

Rev.  O.  L.  Stringfield  presented  himself  as  an  agent 
for  the  Woman's  College,  under  way  of  construction  at 
Raleigh,  N.  C.  He  was  welcomed  and  heard  present  the 
claims  of  female  education.  To  him  is  due,  to  a  large  de- 
gree, the  erection  of  Meredith  College. 

Dr.  C.  Durham  preached  a  missionary  sermon  during 
the  session  Friday  morning.  His  text  was  "The  Lord 
added  to  the  church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved."  As 
a  result  of  this  sermon  every  church  in  the  Association 
■pledged  to  the  Foreign  Mission  cause. 

The  sessions  were  harmonious,  and  the  note  of  prog- 
ress seemed  to  be  sounded  on  every  line.  Forward !  for- 
ward with  the  work  of  the  Alaster,  was  the  one  cry. 

Some  remarkable  changes  came  about  during  the  time 
covered  by  this  chapter.  Many  of  the  names  once  used  so 
much  in  the  workings  of  the  Association  appear  no  more. 
These  ten  years  have  seen  the  churches  organize  Sunday 
Schools,  pay  their  pastors  better  salaries,  and  enlarge  their 
contributions  to  Home  and  Foreign  Missions.  The  Or- 
phanage came  into  existence  during  this  time,  and  is  now 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  159 

the  pride  of  Xorth  Caroltna  Baptists.  The  Old  [Ministers' 
ReHef  Board,  located  at  Durham,  has  been  originated  dur- 
ing this  time_,  and  the  idea  of  having  an  associational  school 
has  been  advanced  by  the  pastors  of  this  Association.  Rev. 
'M.  A.  Adams  leaves  the  First  Church  at  Monroe  and  Rev. 
Hight  C.  ^loore  takes  his  place.  The  membership  has  in- 
creased from  1.776  to  2,761.  Attendance  in  Sunday  School 
has  increased  from  72 d  to  1,235.  The  contributions  have 
increased  more  than  hve  hundred  per  cent. 

Peace  and  harmony  prevailed  during  the  most  of  these 
ten  years. 

The  next  chapter  shows  more  signs  of  progress  than 
this. 


160  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  Xew  Era  Begun — The  Wingate  School  Brought 
Into  Existence — New  Men  Come  Into  the  Work 
— Old  Ones  Pass  Out— New  Ways  and  New  Things. 

This  chapter  begins  with  the  forty-first  session  of  the 
Union  Association.  It  now  has  begun  to  be  one  of  the 
estabhshed  Associations  of  the  State,  and  is  being  looked 
to  as  one  of  the  strongest  rehgious  bodies  of  the  kind. 
Many  associations  were  organized  and  did  not  Hve  long, 
but  this  one  was  now  becoming  a  fixture  in  Baptist  afifairs 
m  North  Carolina.  The  formative  period  has  been  passed, 
things  begin  to  take  a  definite  shape,  new  men  and  new 
ideas  begin  to  bob  up.  The  mission  work  is  taking  on  new 
life,  yet  the  contributions  are  very  small.  Nearly  all  of 
the  old  preachers  who  first  labored  in  this  Association  have 
passed  out.  ]^Iany  new  churches  have  been  organized. 
Alany  have  taken  letters  to  other  associations,  and  some 
have  died. 

The  first  session  of  this  period  was  held  with  Meadow 
Branch  Church  October  10-13,  1895.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Hight  C.  Moore  from  John 
V.  39. 

Prof.  H.  E.  Copple  was  re-elected  Moderator,  T.  \Y. 
Maness  Clerk  and  J.  W.  Bivins  Treasurer. 

Several  visiting  brethren  were  present.  S.  jMcIntyre, 
representing  the  Biblical  Recorder;  Dr.  T.  H.  Pritchard, 
of  Charlotte ;  Dr.  C.  Durham,  of  Raleigh,  and  J.  B.  Boone, 
of  Thomasville. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  161 

Two  new  churches  presented  letters  for  admission.  The 
first  one  was  Union,  a  new  Baptist  church  about  eight  miles 
southwest  of  Wingate.  It  was  received.  The  second  was 
Walkersville.  This  church  was  received,  but  we  see  no 
further  mention  made  of  it.  It  passed  out  without  any 
mention  being  made  of  it  in  any  way.  This  seems  to  have 
been  an  organization  without  a  house  of  worship.  So  far 
as  we  have  been  able  to  learn,  it  was  organized  by  Rev.  J. 
W.  Little,  and  bore  the  local  name  of  "Solomon's  Temple." 
It  did  not  report  a  pastor,  so  we  suppose  it  died  an  easy 
death"  before  the  session  of  1896. 

Some  very  strong  reports  were  offered  on  Missions  at 
this  session.  Hight  C.  Moore  made  a  splendid  one  on 
Foreign  Missions,  but  with  all  of  this  the  pledges  were 
shameful.  The  whole  amount  pledged  to  Foreign  Missions 
was  $81.00,  and  the  amount  pledged  to  State  Missions  was 
$132.00.  Has  not  covetousness  done  a  deadly  work  among 
Baptists  ?  The  trouble  with  us  has  always  been  that  we  say 
we  believe  a  thing  and  we  do  not  practice  it.  We  have 
claimed  to  be  missionary,  but  our  works  do  not  prove  it. 
We  have  listened  to  great  soul-stirring  speeches  on  the  sub- 
ject; we  have  shed  great  tears  as  we  have  heard  of  desti- 
tution in  many  sections  of  this  vast  world  in  which  we  live, 
but  it  has  stopped  at  this.  When  a  collection  is  mentioned 
our  fervor  is  chilled.  We  drop  from  the  highest  to  forty 
degrees  below  spiritual  zero,  and  go  away  saying,  "He 
spoiled  it  all  by  mentioning  money."     Is  it  not  a  shame? 

The  question  of  education  had  been  agitated  in  this  As- 
sociation for  several  years.  In  a  former  session  a  resolu- 
tion had  been  offered  by  the  preachers  of  this  Association 
to  buy  the  Rock  Rest  Academy.     This  matter  passed  with- 

11 


162  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

out  any  further  notice,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  tell 
from  the  minutes,  but  at  this  session  the  following  resolu- 
tion was  offered : 

"Resolved,  That  Brethren  J.  W.  Bivens,  Rev.  H.  C. 
Moore,  O.  M.  Sanders,  M.  VV.  Griffin,  J.  C.  Sikes,  B.  F. 
Parker  and  R.  F.  Beasley  be  appointed  a  Board  of  Trus- 
tees to  secure,  if  possible,  without  a  debt  on  the  Associa- 
tion, suitable  property  in  the  bounds  of  this  Association, 
in  fee  simple  to  them  and  their  successors,  and  to  estab- 
lish and  control  an  academy  of  high  grade  for  the  educa- 
tion of  the  boys  and  girls  of  this  Association  and  the  sur- 
rounding country." 

This  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Asso- 
ciation. We  do  not  know  just  who  offered  it,  but  possibly 
some  one  present  at  this  meeting  can  tell  all  about  it,  and 
since  Bro.  J.  W.  Bivens  is  writing  the  story  of  this  school 
we  will  leave  that  part  of  it  off  for  him  to  tell. 

This  further  mention  of  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  is  made,  and 
since  it  is  the  last  time,  as  was  supposed,  this  old  veteran 
of  the  cross  attended  this  Association,  we  feel  that  it  is 
more  than  fitting  that  we  mention  this  matter.  The  clerk 
has  the  following  to  sa}^:  "At  1  o'clock  Rev.  H.  C.  Moore 
preached  from  Daniel  v.  30.  After  the  sermon  Rev.  E.  L. 
Davis,  who  for  sixt3^-two  years  has  stood  watchman  on  the 
tower  warning  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
gives  to  the  Association  what  he  believes  to  be  his  last  fare- 
well. Eyes  were  melted  to  tears  as  the  old  veteran  of  the 
cross  shook  hands  with  the  children  in  the  ministry,  ad- 
monishing them  to  stand  firm  and  meet  him  on  the  other 
shore."     He  went  home  before. the  next  session  met.      His 


Union  Baptist  Association.  163 

obituary  appears  in  the  minutes  of  the  session  of  1896. 
Since  we  give  an  extended  sketch  of  his  Hfe  in  the  bio- 
graphical part  of  this  book  we  will  not  make  further  men- 
tion of  him  here. 

The  churches  reported  three  hundred  and  forty-eight 
baptisms  this  year,  sixteen  hundred  and  forty-nine  in  Sun- 
day School,  and  a  total  membership  of  two  thousand  nine 
hundred  and  eighty-seven. 

The  session  of  1896  met  with  Olive  Branch  Baptist 
Church  October  8-10. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  D.  A. 
Snider  from  II  Tim.  iv. 

H.  E.  Copple  was  re-elected  Moderator,  T.  W.  Maness 
Clerk  and  J.  W.  Bivins  Treasurer.  Some  very  important 
reports  were  made  concerning  the  Wingate  School.  The 
committee  appointed  at  the  last  session  had  secured  a  lot 
from  Bro.  G.  M.  Stewart  and  had  begun  the  school.  They 
suggested  the  school  be  called  The  Wingate  School  out  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Wingate,  formerly  president 
of  Wake  Forest  College.  The  Association  adopted  the 
name,  and  it  has  borne  it  since  this  time. 

The  churches  reported  two  hundred  and  eight  baptisms 
during  1896,  fifteen  hundred  and  ninety-five  in  Sunday 
School,  and  a  total  membership  of  three  thousand  and  sev- 
enty-seven.    It  now  had  twenty-six  churches  on  its  list. 

The  session  of  1897  was  held  with  Oak  Grove  Baptist 
Church  October  7-9.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  R.  H.  James  from  Romans  xii.  5. 

H.  E.  Copple  was  re-elected  Moderator,  T.  W.  Maness 
Clerk  and  J.  W.  Bivens  Treasurer.  Corinth,  a  newly  or- 
ganized Baptist  church,  presented  a  letter  at  this  session  of 


164  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

the  Association.  It  seems  to  be  near  the  place  where  the 
Old  Cross  Roads  Church  stood.  The  Old  Cross  Roads 
Church  was  expelled  once,  got  on  its  feet  again  and  then 
died,  but  this  new  church  came  into  existence  to  stay  alive. 
It  was  received,  and  has  been  active  and  very  aggressive 
since  this  time.  It  is  one  of  the  best  churches  in  this  Asso- 
ciation. It  is  always  ready  to  take  hold  of  anything  the 
Association  needs  to  propagate.  It  has  a  good  W.  M.  U., 
and  has  given  considerable  to  the  Million  Dollar  Fund. 

This  Association  was  the  first  one  to  mention  Woman's 
Work.  No  W.  M.  U.'s  are  mentioned  as  being  organized, 
but  some  very  strong  resolutions  were  offered  by  Hight  C. 
Moore,  who  was  pastor  of  Monroe  Baptist  Church  at  this 
time.  Since  this  time  many  strong  Unions  have  been  or- 
ganized.    (For  complete  account  see  sketch  in  this  book.) 

A  Sunday  School  Convention  had  been  organized  a  few 
years  before  this,  and  lasted  for  three  years,  but  it  failed 
to  meet  during  the  summer  of  this  year,  so  a  resolution 
was  offered  to  resurrect  it  the  following  summer.  This 
was  a  great  thing  while  it  was  in  operation,  and  according 
to  statistics  it  did  much  toward  enlivening  the  work.  When 
it  went  down  there  was  a  great  decrease  in  the  Sunday 
School  work.  The  report  showed  that  several  hundred 
had  fallen  out. 

A  motion  carried  at  this  Association  to  appoint  one 
person  in  each  church  to  raise  money  to  aid  Bro.  A.  C. 
Baker,  who  was  then  a  student  at  Louisville  Baptist  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  The  body  seems  to  have  been  in  sym- 
pathy with  education,  but  has  not  encouraged  the  young 
preachers  who  have  come  up  within  her  bounds  to  secure 
an  education.     All  of  those  who  have  eone  to  colles:e  from 


Uniox  Baptist  Association.  165 

this  section  have  gone  to  other  fields ;    those  who  have  not 
gone  to  college  have  remained.   It  ought  not  to  be  this  way. 

Bro.  A.  D.  Candle  was  the  Associational  Missionary 
this  year.  He  reported  nine  months'  work,  during  which 
time  he  had  preached  twenty-five  sermons,  made  thirty-two 
religious  talks,  traveled  two  hundred  and  seventeen  miles, 
made  sixty-five  visits,  sold  four  books,  gave  away  thirty 
tracts,  collected  fifty-three  cents.  He  received  seventy-five 
dollars  for  this  work. 

The  charter  of  the  W'ingate  School  appears  in  the  min- 
utes of  1897. 

The  churches  reported  236  baptisms  this  year,  a  total 
membership  of  2,343,  and  1,589  in  Sunday  School.  The 
total  amount  given  during  this  year  was  $3,496.11.  The 
most  paid  any  pastor  at  this  time  was  $600.  This  was  paid 
by  the  Monroe  Church. 

The  session  of  1898  was  held  with  the  ]\Ieadow  Branch 
Baptist  Church  October  6-8.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  T.  P.  Little  from  xx.  8.  This  is  spoken 
of  as  one  of  the  very  best  sessions  of  this  Association.  It 
showed  signs  of  progress  on  every  line,  but  not  as  much 
as  it  ought  to  have  done. 

H.  E.  Copple  was  re-elected  ^Moderator  by  acclamation, 
R.  F.  Beasley  Clerk,  by  ballot;  J.  \Y.  Bivens  was  re-elected 
Treasurer  by  acclamation. 

Prof.  F.  P.  Hobgood,  from  Oxford  Seminary,  and  Dr. 
E.  W.  Sikes,  from  Wake  Forest,  were  present  at  this  session 
and  made  some  very  strong  speeches  in  favor  of  Christian 
Education. 

]\It.  Olive  presented  a  letter  at  this  session.  It  had 
been  a  member  of  this  body  for  many  years,  but  had  taken 


166  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

a  letter  to  join  the  Pee  Dee,  but  now  it  comes  back,  and 
has  remained  a  member  of  this  body  since  this  time.  It 
was  at  Mt.  Ohve  that  the  Brown  Creek  Association  was 
organized,  and  because  of  this  the  Association  felt  like  it 
was  the  child  of  this  church.  It  had  now  become  the  Union, 
but  it  was  still  the  same  body,  and  this  church  desired  to 
again  become  a  member  of  it.  New  Home,  Hamilton's 
Cross  Roads  and  North  Monroe  were  also  received  at  this 
session.  New  Home  is  not  mentioned  with  the  others  re- 
ceived, but  it  is  in  the  list  with  the  other  churches  com- 
posing this  Association. 

The  Association  at  this  time  passed  a  resolution  that 
it  forever  hereafter  pay  the  expenses  of  its'  delegates  to  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention.  This  has  been  forgotten,  or 
the  brethren  do  not  think  a  resolution  means  anything. 
How  sad  to  think  that  a  body  will  pass  a  resolution  and 
then  ignore  it  entirely.  We  must  stop  this.  We  have  gone 
over  the  minutes  of  this  Association  for  more  than  forty 
years,  and,  to  our  sorrow,  we  have  found  resolution  after 
resolution  absolutely  ignored.  We  hope  that  this  resolu- 
tion may  be  resurrected,  and  that  whoever  is  appointed 
to  attend  the  next  session  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention may  have  his  expenses  paid  by  the  churches  com- 
posing this  Association. 

The  Wingate  School  had  a  prominent  place  in  all  the 
deliberations  of  the  Association  from  its  birth  up  to  this 
time.  The  reports  show  that  it  was  quite  a  success  in 
every  way. 

The  financial  report  to  this  Association  showed  that 
$87.50  had  been  raised  for  Home  Missions,  $110  for  State 
Missions,  and  $105.50  for  Foreign  Missions;    Orphanage, 


Union  Baptist  Association.  167 

$98.55;  Ministerial  Education,  $24.18.  The  churches  re- 
ported 157  baptisms  during  the  year,  a  total  membership 
of  3,130. 

The  forty-fifth  session  of  the  Union  Baptist  Associa- 
tion was  held  with  Beaver  Dam  Baptist  Church.  This 
church  now  becomes  Alarshville.  The  Association  con- 
vened October  5th  and  continued  over  the  following  Sun- 
day. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  A.  C. 
Davis.  His  subject  was  "The  Spirit  of  Missions."  His 
text  is  not  given  in  the  minutes  of  this  session.  Bro.  J.  W. 
Bivens  was  elected  the  permanent  Moderator  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. It  is  not  said  just  what  the  body  meant  by  the 
term  "permanent  moderator,"  but  we  think  the  intention 
of  it  was  that  no  other  Moderator  should  be  elected  as  long 
as  he  would  serve.  This  was  a  very  good  resolution,  and 
one  that  would  eliminate  much  contention  if  followed  out., 
Bro.  R.  F.  Beasley  was  elected  Clerk  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft 
Treasurer,  which  position  he  held  until  his  death  in  1919. 
He  made  a  most  faithful  one. 

King  Street,  Waxhaw,  presented  a  letter  at  this  session 
and  was  unanimously  received. 

Miss  Fannie  E.  S.  Heck  was  present  at  this  session  to 
present  Woman's  Work.  This  was  the  first  time  such  a 
thing  had  been  done.  To  show  the  spirit  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  regard  to  this  matter  we  give  the  first  report  offered 
on  Woman's  Work. 

Woman's  Work.        .         -     • 
I  suppose  the  subject  should  be  limited  to  woman's  work 
for   Christ   or    in   the    spread   of   the    gospel.      What    may 


168  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

women  do?  Anything-  that  man  may  do,  unless  prohibited 
Toy  the  Bible.  We  read  in  Acts  ii.  17,  quoted  from  Joel, 
"And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  saith  God,  I 
will  pour  out  my  spirit  upon  all  flesh:  and  your  sons  and 
your  daughters  shall  prophesy,  etc."  And  the  Book  tells 
us  this  prophecy  was  fulfilled.  We  are  told  again  that  a 
•company  or  society  of  women  followed  Christ  and  minis- 
tered unto  Him  and  His  disciples  of  their  substance.  And 
again,  that  there  was  an  aid  society,  presided  over  by  Dor- 
cas, who  did  much  to  relieve  the  wants  of  the  poor.  And, 
once  more,  we  read  of  the  woman  who  made  the  contribu- 
tion and  performed  the  loving"  service  that  elicited  from 
the  Master's  lips  the  encomium,  "She  hath  done  what  she 
could."  Wherever  the  gospel  has  gone  woman  has  been 
blessed  and  has  always  been  found  faithful. 

We  congratulate  the  sisters  on  the  splendid  progress 
they  are  making.  Thousands  of  letters,  cards,  leaflets,  etc., 
have  been  sent  out  and  the  magnificent  sum  of  $6,929.25 
was  given  to  missions  by  the  'women  of  North  Carolina 
during  the  last  conventional  year. 

They  are  doing  a  much  needed  and  greatly  appreciated 
work  in  sending  mission  boxes  to  the  poorly  paid,  sacri- 
ficing frontier  missionaries. 

Every  since  Paul  wrote  to  the  pastor  at  Philippi,  urging 
him  to  help  those  women  that  "labored"  with  him  "in  the 
gospel,"  faithful  and  consecrated  women  have  been  found 
among  the  most  loyal  and  loving  supporters  of  many  a 
hard  worked  pastor  and  missionary.  We  would  most  cor- 
dially, therefore,  recommend  that  our  pastors  encourage 
and  aid,  as  they  no  doubt  will  be  forward  to  do,  the  women 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  169 

in  every  proper  effort  for  the  dissemination  of  the  gospel 
and  the  estabhshment  of  the  ^Master's  kingdom. 

Respectfully,  A.  M.  Croxton. 

Aged  ^linisters'  Relief  had  a  good  place  in  the  program 
of  this  Association.  The  report  ^vas  made  by  Bro.  J.  W. 
Biyens,  and  is  as  follo\ys : 

Aged  Ministers'  Relief. 

Seeing  the  needs  of  some  provision  to  aid  faithful  min- 
isters of  our  denomination,  \vho,  from  age  or  infirmity, 
were  no  longer  able  to  "preach  the  gospel,"  and  therefore 
""liye  of  the  gospel,"  the  convention,  about  the  year  1890, 
organized  the  Aged  Ministers'  Relief  Board,  and  made  it 
the  duty  of  this  board  to  hunt  up  this  class  of  the  Lord's 
poor  and  ask  the  churches  throughout  the  State  to  con- 
tribute to  their  relief. 

Since  its  organization  many  worthy  ministers  and  their 
wives,  or  indigent  widows,  have  been  helped  in  this  way. 
There  are  fourteen  families  now  receiving  aid  through 
this  board.  Only  four  of  these  were  received  when  the 
board  was  first  organizd.  Many  who  have  been  received 
have  gone  to  their  reward.  \"ery  few  remain  long  upon 
the  board.  The  board  is  very  careful  about  receiving  any 
who  are  unworthy.  Some  applications  are  refused  on  that 
ground,  and  some  are  dismissed  after  having  been  received. 

The  amount  contributed  to  this  object  last  year  was 
$918.09;  and  since  last  convention  $511.39,  as  reported  in 
last  Recorder.  The  board  has  a  permanent  interest  bear- 
ing fund  of  a  little  over  $2,000,  of  which  only  the  interest 
is  used.     One-third  of  all  amounts  contributed  eo  to  this 


170  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

fund  and  is  invested  in  unincumbered  real  estate  securities. 
The  other  two-thirds,  with  interest  on  amount  invested,  is 
given  to  the  beneficiaries  of  the  board.  The  secretary  of 
the  boards  Rev.  J.  F.  McGuffie,  Rock  Spring,  N.  C,  says 
the  work  is  very  hopeful  and  encouraging.  It  certainly 
commends  itself  to  every  lover  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  who 
shall  finally  say  unto  them  on  the  right  hand,  'Tnasmuch 
as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me."  "Ye  have  the  poor  with  you  al- 
ways, and  whensoever  ye  will,  ye  may  do  them  good." 

Will  not  every  church  take  at  least  one  collection  for 
this  object  during  the  ensuing  Associational  year?  And  if 
there  are  any  needy  of  this  class  in  our  midst,  see  that  they 
are  not  neglected.  Respectfully, 

J.    W.    BlVENS. 

The  discussion  which  followed  this  report  was  the 
warmest  we  have  seen  any  account  of  in  the  minutes  of  this 
Association.  Many  very  striking  things  were  said.  Among 
them  Rev.  R.  H.  James  said  that  it  would  not  be  a  disgrace 
for  a  preacher  to  die  in  a  poor  house,  but  it  would  be  a 
disgrace  to  the  people  for  whom  he  had  preached  and  la- 
bored. Brother  Hotchkiss  said  that  preachers  ought  to 
preach  against  covetousness  more.  Giving  was  not  urged 
upon  the  laity  as  it  should  be,  but  if  his  idea  was  carried 
out  what  would  become  of  some  of  the  poor  dried-up  cov- 
etousness church  members?  They  go  to  church  little 
enough  now.  Would  they  go  at  all  if  more  were  said  about 
giving?     We  fear  not. 

The  question  of  Missions  Avas  discussed  in  this  session 
more  vigorously  than  before..    During  the  discussion  Bro. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  171 

A.  'M.  Croxton  said:  "If  there  is  a  preacher  here  who  has 
never  preached  a  sermon  on  giving  without  feehng  a  cold 
chill  coming  from  the  audience,  I  would  like  for  him  to 
stand  up."  No  one  stood  up.  Bro.  A.  B.  Caudle  said  that 
too  many  Baptists  are  quarantined  against  the  spirit  of 
missions.     This  is  too  true  today. 

J.  L.  Bennett  said  during  this  hot  discussion :  "The 
spirit  of  missions  should  connect  our  hearts  with  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth ;  the  world  is  the  field,  and  the 
man  who  believes  in  home  missions  and  not  in  foreign  mis- 
sions is  like  the  farmer  who  has  a  brag  patch  near  his 
house  and  lets  the  remainder  of  his  farm  grow  up  in 
weeds."     This  was  well  said,  sure. 

Dr.  E.  W.  Sikes  said:  "There  is  not  a  land  so  dark,  an 
island  so  distant,  people  so  ignorant,  that  our  foreign 
board  will  not  send  them  a  missionary." 

This  was  an  epochal  meeting.  The  Spirit  of  God  was 
in  it.  Alen's  hearts  warmed  up  as  never  before.  Speeches 
had  been  made  on  these  subjects,  but  nothing  like  this  since 
the  early  days  of  the  Association,  when  Silas  J.  Fincher, 
A.  L.  Stough  and  E.  L.  Davis  came  with  the  eloquence  of 
a  Demosthenes  and  moved  the  people  to  believe  that  the 
gospel  was  for  the  whole  world.  This  meeting  showed 
that  the  Association  was  coming-  to  its  own  as  not  before. 
"Onward,"  was  the  slogan  cry  now.  If  the  spirit  of  this 
meeting  had  been  kept  up  we  could  have  been  doing  many 
things  we  are  leaving  off  at  present.  The  trouble  has  al- 
ways been  that  our  people,  like  this  Association  did  here, 
get  warmed  up  but  partially.  The  warmth  does  not  get 
into  their  pocketbooks.  '   '' 


172  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  session  of  1900  was  held  with  the  Monroe  First 
church,  and  in  many  ways  it  was  a  continuation  of  the  one 
held  with  Marshville  the  year  previous.  It  convened  Octo- 
ber 11th,  and  continued  for  four  days,  including  Sunday. 
Many  visiting  brethren  were  present  to  add  all  they  could 
to  the  work  of  the  blaster,  as  it  was  being  done  by  this 
body.  Among  the  brethren  was  Dr.  R.  T.  Vann,  then 
President  of  the  Baptist  Female  University  for  Women. 
He  made  some  thrilhng  speeches  on  education  and  mis- 
sions. 

Bro.  T.  W.  Bivens  was  continued  as  Moderator,  R.  F. 
Beasley  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  y\shcraft  Treasurer. 

This  session  was  really  a  connecting  link  between  the 
former  session  and  the  one  in  1901.  Many  signs  of  prog- 
ress could  be  seen,  and  many  steps  forward  were  taken. 
The  churches  were  pledging  more  liberally  than  they  did 
at  first,  and  more  of  them  were  joining  in  with  progressive 
movements  that  our  denomination  felt  like  that  it  ought 
to  support. 

The  churches  reported  211  baptisms  this  year  and  a 
membership  of  3,560.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  D.  A.  Snider  from  Acts  xx.  35,  subject, 
■  "Giving."  The  clerk  has  this  word  to  say  about  the  ser- 
mon :    "It  was  a  good  sermon,  full  of  Bible  truth." 

J.  W.  Bivins  was  Aloderator  of  this  session.  Rev.  A. 
B.  Caudle  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

The  session  of  1901  was  held  wuth  Mill  Creek  Baptist 
Church  October  10-13.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Caudle  from  Matt.  xi.  6,  Mark 
viii.  15,  subject,  "The  Three  Leavens." 

Dr.  A.  M.  Croxton  was  elected  Moderator,  A.  B.  Caudle 
Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  173 

Petitions  were  presented  from  Mountain  Springs,  Sar- 
dis  and  Roanoke  asking  for  admission  into  this  body.  They 
were  received. 

Bro.  J.  W.  Bailey,  editor  of  the  Biblical  Recorder,  was 
present,  and  made  a  powerful  speech.  The  clerk  has  this 
word  about  it :  "J.  W.  Bailey  made  an  address  on  this  sub- 
ject (Christian  Education),  in  which  he  reviewed  our  his- 
tory in  the  past,  telling  of  the  sore  trials  and  disadvan- 
tages through  which  our  Baptist  cause  has  come  to  its 
present  greatness  and  power,  how  in  this  land  of  libetry 
we  have  grown  and  multiplied.  For  height  and  depth,  and 
breadth,  point  and  pith,  we  never  heard  this  speech  sur- 
passed." 

Rev.  L.  Johnson,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  State- 
Mission  Board,  was  present  at  this  session,  and  preached 
on  Sunday  morning.  It  was  his  first  visit  to  this  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  reports  to  this  session  showed  considerable  im- 
provement along  Sunday  School  lines.  More  than  two 
thousand  were  now  enrolled  in  the  Sunday  Schools  of  the 
churches  composing  this  x\ssociation,  but  still  there  was 
not  more  than  twenty  per  cent  of  the  church  members  en- 
rolled. 

The  forty-eighth  session  of  the  Union  Association  was- 
held  with  Old  Waxhaw  Baptist  Church  October  9-11,  1902. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Con- 
rad, representative  of  the  North  Carolina  Baptist,  a  paper 
that  was  very  widely  circulated  at  this  time,  but  later  con- 
solidated with  the  Biblical  Recorder.  His  text  was  not 
given,  we  are  sorry  to  say.  We  are  arranging  to  prepare 
a  table  of  the  meetings  of  this  Association,  giving  all  the: 


174  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

places  of  meeting,  the  moderators,  the  clerks,  preachers 
and  texts  of  sermons.  But  since  some  of  them  are  not 
given,  we  cannot  give  a  complete  one.* 

The  following  churches  and  delegates  were  repre- 
sented : 

Antioch — J.  X.  Hagler,  J.  H.  Presson,  Lonnie  Green. 

Benton's  Cross  Roads — J.  K.  Trull,  J.  S.  Benton,  Jo- 
siah  Simpson. 

Bethel — ^1.  D.  Tadlock,  R.  F.  Krimmingee,  H.  B. 
Moore. 

Corinth— W.  S.  Walters,  J.  B.  Price,  U.  V.  King. 

Deep  Springs — C.  C.  Davis,  J.  W.  High,  Wm.  Braswell. 

Ebenezer— G.  W.  Baucom,  j.  E.  Rowell,  J.  M.  Hill. 

Fairfield— J.  S.  Williams,  J.  A.  Kiser,  J.  H.  Mills. 

Faulks — S.  J.  Helms,  A.  M.  Newsome,  T.  E.  Bivens. 

Hermon — W.  H.  Helms,  J-  H.  Deese,  B.  F.  Baker. 

Hopewell — J.  C.  Hough,  L  R.  Duncan,  W.  A.  Faulk. 

Hamilton's  Cross  Roads — AT.  L.  Sinclair,  W.  F.  Grififin, 
J.  Baker  Staton. 

Macedonia — N.  A.  Funderburk,  D.  A.  Outen,  J.  B. 
jN'Iangum. 

Marshville— H.  G.  Ashcraft,  B.  H.  Griffin,  J.  E.  Austin. 

Meadow  Branch— H.  C.  Moore,  J.  H.  Williams,  J.  A, 
Williams. 

Mill  Creek— E.  E.  Braswell,  L.  S.  Helms,  T.  A.  J. 
Price. 

Monroe— J.  H.  Benton,  Dr.  J.  W.  Neal,  R.  F.  Beasley. 

North  Monroe— D.  A.  Mauney,  Wm.  Privett,  B.  B. 
Privett. 


*For  lack  of  space  we  were  compelled  to  omit  the  table. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  175 

Mount  Harmony — J.  E.  Sustare,  A.  M.  Newell,  R.  Gib- 
son, J.  O.  Hall. 

Mt.  Pleasant— C.  C.  Parker,  B.  L.  Godwin,  J.  F.  Byrd. 

Mt.  Olive — E.  E.  Leonard,  A.  Lowery,  C.  E.  Rushing. 

Mountain  Springs — W.  B.  Griffin,  J.  C.  Moore,  A.  D. 
Moore. 

New  Home — R.  Atkinson,  S.  Stegall,  John  Williams. 

New  Plope — Not  represented. 

New  Salem — D.  J.  Helms,  Vernon  Long,  John  A. 
Williams. 

Olive  Branch — Wilson  Curran,  W.  L.  Parker,  L.  Sin- 
clair. 

Oak  Grove— H.  M.  Keziah,  R.  S.  Spittle,  J.  F.  Gordon, 
Marcus  Austin. 

Pleasant  Hill— L.  F.  Austin,  J.  M.  Birmingham,  B.  M. 
Howard. 

Philadelphia— J.  G.  Gullege,  H.  C.  Smith,  M.  L.  Baker. 

Roanoke— A.  F.  Hagler,  A.  M.  Price,  A.  F.  Fowler. 

Sandy  Ridge — G.  J.  Richardson,  D.  C.  Montgomery,  D. 
J.  Melton. 

Sardis — I.  A.  Hunneycutt,  W.  B.  Foard,  E.  Presley. 

Shiloh— F.  M.  Sutton,  W.  J.  Sutton,  N.  R.  Helms. 

Union — J.  P.  Home,  J.  F.  Carelock,  W.  L.  Thomas, 
H.  F.  Parker. 

Waxhaw— H.  J.  A/[cManus,  J.  S.  Billue,  W.  M.  Crow. 

King  Street— J.  W.  Powell,  W.  S.  King,  A.  J.  Blythe. 

Dr.  A.  M.  Croxton  was  chosen  for  Moderator,  R.  F. 
P)easley  Clerk,  and  Bro.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

Fairfield,  a  newly  organized  Baptist  church  in  New 
Salem  township,  was  admitted  at  this  session  of 'this  As- 
sociation. 


176  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  question  of  temperance  was  discussed  at  length 
during  this  session.  The  report  was  read  by  Rev.  S.  F. 
Conrad,  who  had  been  requested  to  write  on  the  subject. 
The  following  resolution  was  offered  at 'the  close  of  this 
session :  "On  motion  the  Association  as  a  bod)^  requested 
the  county  commissioners  not  to  grant  license  to  any  one 
to  sell  liquors,  and  the  following  committee  was  appointed 
to  lay  the  request  before  the  county  commissioners :  J.  W. 
Bivens,  A.  M.  Croxton,  R.  F.  Beasley,  R.  H.  James  and 
A.  C.  Davis."  Many  reports  had  been  made  on  this  sub- 
ject at  the  Session  prior  to  this  one,  but  nothing  definite 
had  been  undertaken  along  this  line.  This  county  was 
terribly  infected  with  the  liquor  business  at  one  time,  but 
this  action,  together  with  other  things  that  brought  great 
pressure  against  this  pernicious  business,  finally  put  it  out. 
That  one  may  see  the  nature  of  the  report  handed  in  by 
Rev.  Conrad  w^e  give  it  below : 

Temperance. 

The  cause  of  temperance  has  made  great  progress  in 
the  last  several  years.  This  is  true  of  the  churches  and 
also  of  a  general  public  sentiment.  There  are  now  only 
a  few  associations  in  the  State  which  retain  in  their  fel- 
lowship churches  which  allow  their  members  to  engage  in 
the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  The 
great  damage  to  morals,  character  and  business  are  of 
such  frequent  note  that  greater  protection  is  demanded  for 
schools,  churches  and  the  home — and  the  frequent  occur- 
rence of  crimes,  suicides  and  untimely  deaths  has  greatly 
aroused  a  feeling  of  aversion  to  the  legalized  sale  of  liquor. 
There  are  now  forty-seven  counties  in  the  State  in  which 


Union  Baptist  Association.  177 

its  sale  is  not  licensed.  Much  has  been  done  through 
wholesome  and  judicious  legislation.  We  therefore  urge 
our  people  not  to  give  their  suffrages  to  men  who  are  the 
friends  of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  to  vote  only  for  men  of 
unquestioned  morals  and  who  stand  for  the  protection  of 
home,  good  government  and  good. citizenship. 

Several  churches  have  sent  in  requests  that  this  Asso- 
ciation ask  the  county  commissioners  not  to  grant  license 
for  the  sale  of  liquor.  We  therefore  recommend  that  this 
Association  adopt  a  preamble  and  resolutions  looking  to 
this  end.  We  recommend  that  the  following  editorial  from 
the  Southern  Christian  Advocate  be  given  a  place  in  our 
minutes : 

"The  statement  is  frequently  made  that  there  is  no 
harm  in  moderate  drinking,  and  that  a  Christian  may  in- 
dulge to  a  certain  extent  without  any  detriment  to  his 
spirituality.  We  deny  the  assumption  ;  it  is  utterly  false. 
Xo  Christian  can  live  in  communion  with  God  and  attain 
a  high  standard  of  piety  who  habitually  indulges  in  strong 
drink,  however  moderately.  It  blunts  a  man's  moral  per- 
ceptions, impairs  his  moral  convictions,  obtunds  sensitive- 
ness of  conscience,  destroys  all  the  finer  sentiments  of  his 
better  nature,  drives  all  desire  after  holiness  out  of  the 
heart,  and  expels  from  the  soul  that  hungering  and  thirst- 
ing after  righteousness  which  is  ever  the  characteristic  of 
the  earnest  and  aspiring  Christian.  Besides,  it  neutralizes 
a  Christian's  influence  for  good.  Xo  one  has  any  confi- 
dence in  the  religion  of  the  drinking  Christian  (  ?) .  But 
more  than  that:  the  example  of  the  moderate  drinker  is 
more  pernicious  than  that  of  the  confirmed  drunkard  who 
reels  along  the  street  and  falls  into  the  gutter.     It  is  not 

12 


178  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

the  example  of  the  sot^  but  the  example  of  the  moderate 
drinker,  often  a  church  member,  that  encourages  boys  and 
young  men  to  drink.  The  professing  Christian  who  in- 
dulges in  moderate  drinking  is  a  stumbling  block  over 
which  young  men  will  at  last  fall  into  a  drunkard's  grave." 

This  meant  business,  and  it  did  the  work. 

The  clerk  appended  some  of  the  striking  things  said 
during  the  Association.  Wq  give  them  to  add  some  in- 
teresting matter  to  this  history: 

.  "No  preacher  can  develop  a  people  who  do  not  read." 
—A.  C.  Davis. 

"I  bless  God  that  he  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  some 
men  to  love  orphans.  I  love  Jack  Mills  as  I  love  no  other 
man,  because  he  was  the  father  of  the  Orphanage  work  in 
North  Carolina." — R.  H.  James. 

"After  traveling  over  our  state  for  two  years,  I  have 
been  more  impressed  with  our  possibilities." — L.  Johnson. 

"It  is  an  idle  boast  to  say  that  the  Baptists  of  North 
Carolina  deserve  more  credit  than  anybody  else  for  the 
educational  awakening  in  the  state." — L.  Johnson. 

"North  Carolina  is  going  to  be  the  Baptist  Eden  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention  if  we  do  our  duty." — L.  John- 
son. 

"Opportunity,  coupled  with  ability,  is  the  measure  of 
one's  responsibility,  and  opportunity  is  God's  call  to  duty." 
— Rev.  A.  D.  Hunter. 

"Brother  Biven's  report  on  Woman's  Work  is  the  best 
report  I  ever  read." — Rev.  A.  D.  Hunter. 

Since  the  last  word  was  uttered,  is  it  not  fitting  that 
I  give  the  report  on  Woman's  \\^ork  as  it  was  read  by  Bro. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  179 

J.  W.   Bivens  at  this   session   of  the   Union   Association? 
We  thinlc  so  at  least,  and  so  we  give  it : 

Woman's  Work. 

Every  one  will  admit  that  woman  has  a  work  to  do — 
a  peculiar  and  distinctive  work  that  harmonizes  with  the 
divine  fitness  of  things.  We  cannot  discuss  every  phase 
of  it  in  this  report,  but  there  are  three  departments  of 
woman's  work  that  effect,  to  a  A-ery  great  extent,  our 
growth  as  a  religious  denomination  and  the  extension  of 
Christ's  kingdom  among  men : 

First — The  home,  woman's  kingdom,  where  lies  her 
first  and  greatest  duties.  Jesus  honored  the  home  where 
Martha  served,  and  Mary  sat  at  his  feet  and  learned.  Paul 
says  that  they  should  "Keep  silence  in  the  churches"  and 
be  "keepers  at  home."  Read  I  Cor.  xiv.  34,  35;  I  Tim. 
ii.  9-12,  and  Tit.  ii.  5. 

Second — Local  church  work;  helping  in  all  matters 
pertaining  to  the  church  and  contributing  of  her  means  to 
its  support.  Of  the  woman  that  anointed  His  feet  with 
ointment  Jesus  said:  "She  hath  done  what  she  could." 
A  beautiful  type  of  woman,  sacrificing  for  the  comfort  and 
encouragement  of  God's  ministers. 

Third — Mission  work.  Of  the  widow  that  gave  two 
mites  He  said :  "She  hath  given  more  than  they  all."  The 
true  mission  spirit.  Great  things  have  been  accomplished 
in  recent  years  by  the  woman's  missionary  societies  of  our 
Southern  Convention.  They  have  done  nobly.  But  only 
a  few  churches  in  our  Association  have  these  societies.  Re- 
ports from  these  churches  prove  their  helpfulness.     Then 


180  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

why  not  every  church  avail  itself  of  this  auxiliary  in  the 
prosecution  of  its  work? 

In  conclusion,  let  our  pastors  not  be  slow  to  recognize 
the  helpfulness  and  encourage  and  utilize  the  consecrated 
efforts  of  the  sisters ;  and  let  our  churches  encourage  them 
in  every  way  possible  to  honor  the  Master  by  their  best 
efforts  to  serve  Him  as  "keepers  at  home,"  "attendants 
upon  the  sanctuary,"  in  "ministering  to  the  necessities  of 
the  saints,"  and  in  their  organized  efforts  for  the  spread 
of  His  gospel. 

Respectfully  submitted,  J.  W.  Bivens. 

There  had  not  been  many  reports  of  this  kind  handed 
in,  but  things  were  taking  such  a  decided  turn  that  we  must 
mention  all  we  can  of  these  forward  moves.  We  wish  that 
we  might  give  all  the  reports  that  were  made  on  all  the 
subjects  which  came  before  this  body. 

Seven  churches  made  no  report  on  Sunday  School  work, 
but  since  they  had  schools  the  year  before  we  conclude  that 
they  had  them,  but  failed  to  report. 

The  session  of  1903  was  held  with  the  Philadelphia  Bap- 
tist Church  October  8th,  9th  and  10th.  It  was  one  of  the 
best  sessions  in  the  history  of  the  body.  The  clerk  says 
that  the  messengers  attended  well,  and  the  good  and  hos- 
pitable people  of  Lanes  Creek,  the  location  of  Philadelphia, 
left  nothing  to  be  desired  in  the  way  of  entertainment. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  R.  H. 
James,  on  the  subject  of  holding  fast  that  which  we  have. 
His  text  was  in  Rev.  iii.  11.  There  were  a  number  of  good 
speeches,  and  zeal  in  the  work  ran  high ;  so  high  that  the 
Association  took  a  decided  step  forward,  and  resolved  to 
support  a  missionary  on  the  foreign  field. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  181 

Rev.  W.  F.  Watson,  now  pastor  of  Monroe,  was  chosen 
for  Moderator,  R.  F.  Beasley  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft 
Treasurer. 

The  only  thing  of  much  importance  at  this  session  was 
the  report  on  Foreign  A.Iissions,  read  by  Rev.  ^I.  D.  L. 
Preslar.  The  wave  of  enthusiasm  ran  very  high.  The 
same  spirit  that  overran  the  brethren  in  their  meeting  at 
Old  Waxhaw  the  year  before  struck  them  here,  and  they 
went  wild  over  the  question  of  Foreign  Missions.  They 
resolved  again  to  support  a  missionary  on  the  foreign 
field.  Pledges  were  taken,  and  they  show  that  some  real 
progress  had  been  made.  Monroe  Church  pledged  two 
hundred  dollars  and  Meadow  Branch  sixty.  They  had 
not  gone  so  high  before.  The  truth  of  it  is,  they  have 
not  improved  much  on  this  at  this  time.  Bro.  L.  W. 
Pierce  was  assigned  to  this  Association  as  their  mission- 
ary. He  was  located  at  Yang  Chow,  China.  Have  we 
one  there  now  ?  Why  have  we  not  ?  Are  we  not  as  able 
to  support  one  now  as  the  brethren  were  in  these  days  ? 
Did  they  get  thirty  cents  for  their  cotton,  two  dollars  for 
their  corn,  fifty  cents  for  their  butter,  thirty  cents  for  their 
eggs?  By  no' means.  We  give  more  than  they  did  then, 
but  do  we  have  the  interest  in  the  cause  that  they  had? 
If  we  had  as  much  enthusiasm  as  they  we  could  do  so 
much  more  than  they  did.  There  is  too  much  machinery 
about  our  affairs  these  days.  We  have  reduced  every- 
thing to  a  system  that  is  good  so  far,  but  not  too  far. 
Any  system  becomes  formal  if  it  is  not  propagated  in  the 
right  way.  The  Spirit  of  the  Master  must  dominate  all 
of  our  meetings,  and  all  of  our  systems,  or  they  become 
formal.     There  is  nothing  dry  or   formal,  nor  is  there  a 


182  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

lack  of  enthusiasm  when  He  takes  the  lead  in  things.  He 
was  in  these  meetings.  Now  we  discuss  these  important 
questions  too  hurriedly.  Then  they  took  their  time  for 
it.  Let  us  notice  the  development  of  this  question  as  the 
sessions  are  held. 

The  fiftieth  session  of  the  Union  Association  was  held 
with  Mt.  Harmony  Baptist  Church  Tuesday,  October  6th, 
7th  and  8th,  1904.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
b^'  Rev.  W.  F.  Watson.  His  text  is  not  given  in  the 
minutes,  but  his   theme  was   "Onward,   Baptist." 

All  of  the  churches  reported  at  the  first  session  except 
Hermon.  The  rules  of  order  were  suspended,  and  Rev. 
W.  F.  Watson  was  re-elected  Moderator,  R.  F.  Beasley 
Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

A  very  interesting  report  on  periodicals  was  read  by 
Bro.  R.  F.  Beasley.  Since  it  mentions  periodicals  then  in 
existence  which  have  passed  out  at  this  time  we  give  his 
report : 

Periodicals. 

Believing  in  the  immense  power  of  the  printed  page 
and  in  the  religious  newspaper  as  a  potent  factor  for  the 
enlightenment,  unification,  concentration  and  upbuilding  of 
moral  and  spiritual  forces,  your  committee  would  heartily 
commend  the  following  periodicals: 

The  Baptist  Messenger,  our  excellent  Associational 
monthly,  is  published  at  Alonroe  at  twenty-five  cents  a 
year.  Has  a  bona  fide  list  of  700  subscribers.  It  contains 
information  and  stimulus  regarding  the  work  in  our  own 
bounds,  and  is  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  Baptist  home  in 
the  countv. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  183 

The  Biblical  Recorder,  for  more  than  seventy  years 
the  efficient  organ  of  the  North  Carolina  Baptist,  was  never 
more  ably  edited  than  today.  It  covers  all  parts  of  our 
State  Convention  work,  and  is  a  great  medium  of  news 
and  views  of  our  statewide  brotherhood. 
-  He  also  mentions  Charity  and  Children,  the  Home  and 
Foreign  Field  and  Sunday  School  periodicals  published  by 
the  Board  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

You  will  notice  that  this  report  mentions  The  Baptist 
Messenger,  published  at  Monroe.  This  was  published  at 
Wingate  a  little  later  on,  but  soon  stopped  for  lack  of  sup- 
port. It  was  a  great  little  paper  and  contained  much  in- 
formation along  historical  lines.  It  was  a  great  pity  to 
let  it  go  down,  but  it  died.  During  this  session  Wolf 
Pond  and  King  Street  churches  asked  for  the  ordination 
of  Rev.  J.  W.  Rowell.  The  matter  was  acted  upon  and 
referred  back  to  King  Street.  Brother  Rowell  was  or~ 
dained  here  a  little  later  on. 

The  Foreign  Alission  question  was  still  pretty  warm 
at  this  session.  The  pledges  were  increased  considerably.. 
Bro.  L.  W.  Pierce  was  still  their  missionary  in  China. 

The  State  Mission  work  was  done  by  the  Associational: 
Executive  Committee.  If  a  church  wanted  help,  it  peti- 
tioned the  Association,  and  it  endorsed  the  request,  or  set 
it  aside.  Roanoke  asked  for  $15.00  and  Sar^iis  asked  for 
$25.00;  King  Street  asked  for  $50.00  at  this  session  of 
the  Association.  We  give  this  bit  of  information  to  show 
how  things  were  done  at  this  time.  This  was  an  inde- 
pendent body.  It  did  not  rely  upon  the  State  Board  for 
anything.  They  managed  their  own  affairs  and  reported 
their  work  to  the  Board. 


184  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  churches  reported  207  baptisms  this  year,  and  a 
membership  of  3,666.  The  most  salary  paid  any  preacher 
at  this  time  was  $1,150.  Monroe  paid  this.  The  other 
churches  were  graduall}^  going  up  on  their  pastors'  sala- 
ries. Some  of  them  had  gone  from  a  mere  pittance  to  a 
hundred  or  more  dollars. 

The  Union  Baptist  Association  met  with  Meadow 
Branch  Baptist  Church  in  its  fifty-first  session  October 
5-8,  1905.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
M.  D.  L.  Preslar  from  Isa.  liv.  2,  subject,  "God's  Call  to 
Zion." 

W.  F.  Watson  was  re-elected  ^Moderator,  J.  W.  Bivens 
A^ice-Moderator,  R.  F.  Beasley  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft 
Treasurer.  This  is  the  first  time  the  Association  elected  a 
vice-moderator.  If  they  had  one  before  this  time  no  men- 
tion was  made  of  it.  The  Constitution  and  By-Laws  were 
revised  and  amended  at  this  session.  There  was  not  many 
changes  made  in  them.  The  only  thing  worth  mentioning 
was  the  clause  relating  to  the  Wingate  School.  It  reads 
thus :  "The  Association  shall  fill  vacancies  on  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Wingate  School,  as  provided  by  the 
Charter  of  said  school." 

The  report  on  temperance,  made  at  this  session,  was 
very  encouraging.  It  states  great  improvement  has  been 
made  all  over  this  state  of  ours,  and  that  the  officers  of 
the  law  are  doing  all  they  can  to  see  that  the  prohibition 
laws  are  enforced  to  the  letter.  The  following  resolution 
v/as  unanimously  adopted :  "WHiereas,  As  the  liquor  traf- 
fic of  the  present  day  has  become  one  of  the  greatest  evils 
of  modern  times,  and  is  declared  to  be  more  destructive 
to  human  life  than  the  three  great  curses  of  war,   pesti- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  185 

lence  and  famine,  bringing-  untold  misery,  sorrow  and  woe 
upon  the  land,  filling  the  land  with  paupers  and  orphans, 
and  our  jails  and  penitentiaries  with  criminals;    and 

"Whereas,  As  we  believe  the  total  abolition  of  the 
liquor  traffic  in  the  whole  state  to  be  the  most  effectual 
method  of  dealing  with  this  monster  evil;  and  whereas, 
as  the  few  remaining  places  where  it  is  manufactured  and 
sold  to  be  a  menace  to  those  communities  and  section 
where  the  people  have  rid  themselves  of  the  traffic ;  there- 
fore be  it 

"Resolved,  That  we,  the  delegates  and  members  of  the 
Union  Baptist  Association  do  hereby  express  our  universal 
condemnation  of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  desire  that  our  next 
legislative  assembly  shall  submit  to  the  qualified  voters  of 
the  state  an  amendment  to  our  State  Constitution  totally 
abolishing  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  liquor  from  our 
state,  and  ask  that  this  Association,  composed  of  thirty-five 
churches  and  3,666  members,  appoint,  through  its  Moder- 
ator, a  delegation  of  five  members  to  carry  these  resolu- 
tions before  the  General  Assembly,  and  urge  their  enact- 
ment into  law. 

"Resolved,  further.  That  the  members  and  delegates  of 
this  Association  are  unalterably  opposed  to  any  change  of 
the  temperance  laws  at  present  existing  in  the  County  of 
Union." 

This  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Asso- 
ciation, but  have  not  been  able  to  find  out  if  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  carry  these  resolutions  to  the  General 
Assembly. 

Prof.  T.  B.  Ashcraft  was  making  some  historical  re- 
search at  this  time,  especially  concerning  the  Union  Asso- 


186  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

ciation.  The  Association  heartily  endorsed  his  work,  and 
desired  him  to  continue  the  research.  He  failed  to  get  the 
data  he  wished,  and  stopped  the  work.  We  are  sorry  that 
he  did  not  continue  to  write  and  publish  the  historical  mat- 
ter concerning  this  Association.  It  would  have  saved  us 
so  much  time  and  labor. 

The  following  motion  was  made  by  Bro.  J.  W.  Bivens 
and  unanimously  adopted : 

"That  in  addition  to  the  subjects  already  before  the 
Association  the  ]\Ioderator,  at  the  beginning  of  next  ses- 
sion, appoint  a  committee  on  the  spiritual  condition  of  the 
churches,  and  that  the  public  reading  of  the  letters  from 
the  churches  be  omitted  and  the  letters  placed  in  the  hands 
of  above-named  committee,  to  make  a  complete  digest  of 
them  all.  and  report  the  same  to  the  Association  as  early 
as  possible."  This  custom  is  still  continued  by  the  Asso- 
ciation.    Tt  has  saved  much  time. 

The  session  of  1905  was  a  very  interesting  one,  and 
while  it  did  not  have  as- much  enthusiasm  along  some  lines, 
yet  there  were   signs  of  progress. 

The  session  of  1906  was  held  with  Shiloh  Baptist 
Church  October  11-4.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  A.  C.  Davis.  His  text  is  not  given  in 
the  minutes. 

Bro.  J.  W.  Bivens  was  elected  Moderator,  H.  E.  Copple 
Vice-Moderator,  R.  F.  Beasley  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft 
Treasurer. 

North  Monroe  Church  had  dropped  out  for  a  few  years, 
but  was  reorganized,  and  petitioned  for  membership  in  the 
Union  Association  at  this   session. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  187 

This  interesting  matter  was  given  in  the  report  on  the 
Orphanage  work  by  George  P.  Harrell :  "There  are  320' 
children  at  the  Orphanage  this  year.  We  have  employed 
7  males  and  21  females.  We  have  9  teachers  in  the  school 
department.  George  P.  Harrell  is  pastor  of  the  Orphanage 
Church.  We  have  services  twice  a  month,  first  and  third 
Sundays.  Charity  and  Children  has  a  circulation  of  10,250 
copies.  Three  hundred  and  fifty-six  Sunday  Schools  are 
giving  monthly  oflferings  to  the  Orphanage.  We  have  400 
acres  of  land,  worth  $15,000;  buildings  worth  $60,000. 
Invested  fund,  $102,000.  Total  value  of  all  property,  $177,- 
000."  Was  this  not  marvelous  progress  since  its  beginning 
in  1885? 

The  committee  reported  the  following  facts  gathered' 
from  the  letters : 

"1905  showed  that  we  had  gained  69  members  This 
year  shows  that  we  have  gained  255,  one  hundred  and 
eighty-eight  over  last  year. 

"In  1905  we  paid  our  pastors  about  $3,298,  and  in  1906 
about  $3,550.  We  gained  seven  per  cent  on  other  objects 
to  which  we  contribute." 

This  session  was  very  good  considering  everything. 

The  session  of  1907  was  held  with  the  King  Street 
Baptist  Church  of  Waxhaw,  October  10-13.  Rev.  C.  A.  G. 
Thomas  preached  the  introductory  sermon.  Again  the 
text  is  not  given,  but  we  are  sure  that  it  was  a  good  one. 
C.  A.  G.  Thomas  is  a  very  strong  preacher  indeed. 

Bro.  T.  W.  Bivens  was  again  elected  Moderator,  V.  T. 
Chears  Vice-Moderator,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer.  No 
man  has  ever  been  a  member  of  this  Association  that  people 
were  more  anxious   to   show   that  they   really  appreciated' 


1188  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

his  services  than  John  W.  Bivens.  They  loved  him  for  his 
real  worth,  and^  when  they  could,  they  showed  him  that 
they  did.  He  was  elected  permanent  Moderator,  he  was 
treasurer  for  many  years,  acted  clerk  for  some  time,  and 
could  have  held  any  of  these  offices  all  of  his  life  if  he 
would  have  served.  He  has  served  his  Association  as  well 
.as  any  man  who  ever  lived  in  it,  and  knows  as  much  about 
its  working's. 

Bro.  R.  F.  Beasley,  who  had  been  clerk  for  several 
years,  refused  to  accept  re-election  at  this  session,  so  Bro. 
W.  T.  Baucom  received  the  nomination,  and  was  elected. 

A  resolution  was  passed  at  this  session  to  erect  a  dor- 
mitory for  the  Wingate  School  in  memory  of  Rev.  D.  A. 
Snider,  who  had  recently  passed  away.  A  committee  con- 
;sisting-  of  O.  j\I.  Sanders,  F.  B.  Ashcraft,  S.  E.  Sustare, 
J.  L.  Shinn  and  N.  A.  Funderburk  was  appointed,  but  we 
see  nothing  more  said  about  the  matter.  It  would  have 
been  such  a  great  thing  for  the  school,  and  then,  too, 
Brother  Snider  was  worthy  of  the  honor.  Brother  Snider 
passed  away  May  13th  of  this  year.  It  was  a  fitting  time 
for  this  memorial  to  be  erected. 

The  session  of  1908  was  held  with  Union  Baptist 
Church  October  8-11.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
■preached  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Shinn  from  Isa.  xiv.  24. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  J.  W.  Bivens  for 
Moderator,  R.  H.  James  Vice-Moderator,  T.  W.  Baucom 
Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

A  good  representation  of  delegates  were  present,  and 
so  the  Association  had  a  splendid  beginning. 

The  year  of  1908  was  a  great  one  for  North  Carolina 
baptists.     This  was  the  year  in  which  we  gained  such  a 


Union  Baptist  Association.  189 

wonderful  victory  over  the  forces  of  evil  by  routing  the 
whiskey  curse  from  our  State.  The  report  on  Temperance 
made  at  this  session  by  Bro.  O.  C.  Curlee  was  a  very  in- 
teresting matter.  The  document  is  so  interesting  that  I 
am  giving  it  in  full.  He,  like  most  of  God's  children  at 
this  time,  was  rejoicing  over  the  wonderful  victory  we 
gained  ^'lay  26,  1908 : 

Report  on  Te:mperance. 

If  you  will  refer  to  our  report  on  this  subject  in  the 
minutes  of  1904  you  will  find  us  writing  thus:  "We  have 
awakened  to  a  sense  of  duty  to  the  American  homes,  to 
the  boyhood  and  motherhood,  and  to  the  great  God  that, 
rules  us.  We  see  the  onward  sweeping  tides  of  temper- 
ance in  our  own  Association,  as  well  as  throughout  the 
State  of  North  Carolina.  The  ministry  is  to  be  praised 
for  preaching  it  more  and  more,  and  the  laity  for  talking 
it.  We  should  all  thank  the  Lord  for  the  great  crusade 
that  is  on  in  North  Carolina,  which  was  largely  promoted 
and  is  being  fostered  by  the  three  leading  denominations 
of  our  State,  viz.,  the  [Methodist,  Presbyterian  and  Bap- 
tist." 

Four  years  have  gone  and  we  live  in  the  historic  year  of 
1908.  We  find  a  State  election  called  with  ballots  reading 
thus:  ''For''  or  ''against''  the  manufacture  and  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors ;  and  on  the  26th  day  of  May,  1908, 
we  gained  a  victory,  carrying  the  State  for  prohibition  by 
a  m.ajority  of  about  44,000,  the  result  of  which  provided 
for  the  closing  of  the  saloons  and  distilleries  in  North  Car- 
olina on  the  first  day  of  January,  1909 — the  first  State  in 
the  South  to  enact  prohibition  by  a  vote  of  the  people.     So 


190  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

we  see  that  the  battle  has  been  fought  and  the  victory  won, 
but  not  all,  for  satan  and  all  our  adversaries  are  in  ambush, 
and  using  all  the  skill  they  can  command  to  dethrone  us 
and  enter  into  power  again;  so  we  must  be  vigilant  all  the 
while,  because  our  great  common  enemy  does  not  sleep. 

We  do  hope  that  if  there  are  any  of  satan's  "cohorts" 
-Still  in  the  Church  of  God  that  they  will  come  over  on 
solid  ground  and  stand  with  the  church  and  with  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  on  this  great  question  until  we  shall  have 
■  driven  this  crowning  curse,  not  only  from  the  Southland, 
but  from  the  American  continent. 

Rev.  E.  C.  Snider  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry  at  the  Saturday's  session.  (For  presby- 
tery see  sketch  of  him.) 

The  Committee  on  Digest  of  Letters  made  their  report, 
as  follows:  "By  baptism  during  the  year,  194;  letter,  233; 
restoration,  25;  dismissed  by  letter,  170;  excluded,  45; 
dropped,  3;    died,  36. 

"Finance — Pastor's  salary,  $4,423.21 ;  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, $681.85;  Home  Missions,  $355.77;  State  Missions, 
$244.69;  Orphanage,  $479.59;  Aged  Ministers,  $80.91; 
Ministerial  Education,  $35.83  ;  Poor,  $176.85  ;  Incidentals, 
$661.11;  building  and  repairs,  $3,625.73;  other  objects, 
$451.25;  Minute  Fund,  $57.33;  value  of  church  property, 
'$41,815.00." 

This  was  a  good  financial  report  from  the  churches,  and 
; showed  that  the  preachers  were  coming  to  their  own  on  the 
line  of  telling  the  folks  what  they  ought  to  do  with  the 
money  that  God  gave  them  with  which  to  glorify  him. 

The  Association  at  this  time  decided  to  revive  the  Union 
^Meeting  which  had  been  held  on  Friday  before  each  fifth 


Union  Baptist  Association.  191 

Sunday.  It  had  been  left  off  for  some  time.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  look  after  this  work.  It  has  been  a  hard 
job  to  keep  a  Union  Meeting  going  in  this  Association. 
We  do  not  know  why  it  should  be,  but  it  is.  The  preachers 
begin  one,  but  it  meets  with  opposition  in  some  way,  and 
soon  dies.  They  are  one  of  the  very  best  means  we  have 
for  getting  some  of  the  most  vital  things  before  the  people, 
and  when  people  are  really  interested  in  the  Master's  work 
it  is  easy  to  run  anything  of  this  kind.  We  think  the 
trouble  is  with  the  preachers.  They  are  not  as  much  in- 
terested as  they  should  be.  There  is  not  the  fellowship 
among  them  that  ought  to  be  or  there  would  be  a  good 
strong  Union  Meeting  in  this  Association  all  the  time.  We 
hope  that  it  may  be  brought  about,  and  made  to  live.  The 
Yadkin  and  Philadelphia  colored  associations  sent  greet- 
ings to  this  session  of  the  Union  Association.  They  were 
received  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  body. 

The  fifty-fifth  session  of  the  Union  Association  was 
held  with  Marshville  Baptist  Church  October  7-10,  1909. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  M.  L. 
Kesler  from  Isa.  liii.  11. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  J.  W.  Bivens  for 
Moderator,  V.  T.  Chears  Vice-Moderator,  B.  H.  Griffin 
Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

The  usual  routine  of  business  was  gone  through  with, 
and  nothing  of  especial  interest  was  mentioned,  so  far  as 
we  have  been  able  to  see  from  the  minutes  of  this  session. 
It  seems  to  have  been  a  very  interesting  session.  All  of  the 
subjects  before  the  body  were  discussed  with  much  inter- 
est, but  there  were  no  motions  or  resolutions  made  that 
meant  anything  new. 


192  History  of  the  Broavn  Creek 

At  the  close  of  this  session  notice  was  served  on  the 
churches  that  a  motion  would  be  made  at  the  next  session 
to  leave  off  the  Sunday  services.  At  the  session  of  191Q 
a  motion  was  made  to  change  the  time  of  meeting  to 
Wednesday  instead  of  Thursday,  as  it  had  been,  and  to 
adjourn  on  Friday  instead  of  Saturday.  The  motion  car- 
ried by  a  rising  vote.  Since  this  session  the  Association 
has  met  on  Wednesdays,  and  so  far  as  we  know  has  given 
entire  satisfaction. 

The  session  of  1910  was  held  with  Mount  Harmony 
Baptist  Church,  Mecklenburg  County,  October  6-8.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  M.  D.  L.  Pres- 
lar  from  I  Tim.  iv.  16. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  V.  T.  Chears  for 
Moderator,  Braxton  Craig  Vice-Moderator,  W.  F.  Es- 
tridge  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 

Some  very  interesting  resolutions  concerning  the  Win- 
gate  School  were  passed  at  this  session.  We  will  not  give 
them,  as  there  is  a  history  of  the  school  in  this  li'ctle  vol- 
ume. Read  it  carefully  for  the  resolutions  passed  at  the 
1910  session  of  the  Union  Association. 

The  session  of  1911  was  held  with  Faulks  Church.  Octo- 
ber 4-6.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Braxton  Craig  from  Ezekiel  xxxvii.  3. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  V.  T.  Chears  Mod- 
erator, J.  L.  Bennett  A'ice-lModerator,  Braxton  Craig  Clerk, 
F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer,  and  a  new  office  was  added  at 
this  session  by  motion  of  Rev.  A.  C.  Davis.  It  was  that  of 
Historian.  J.  W.  Bivens  Vv^as  the  first  one  to  receive  the 
appointment.  This  is  an  important  office,  and  should  be 
looked  after  as  carefully  as  part  of  the  Association's  work, 


Union  Baptist  Association.  193 

for  our  history  is  such  an  important  thing.  Many  of  the 
most  important  things  we  have  done  have  been  lost  to  the 
denomination  because  the  records  were  lost.  Every  church 
ought  to  look  after  its  old  books,  and  the  old  records  of 
whatever  nature  they  may  be.  AVe  have  been  a  history- 
making  people,  and  since  we  have  we  ought  to  think  enough 
of  our  history  to  preserve  it.  This  Association  has  been  in 
a  position  to  enjoy  some  of  the  most  wonderful  privileges 
along  this  line.  On  midway  ground  between  the  Old 
Charleston  and  the  Old  Sandy  Creek  the  preachers  from 
these  Associations,  going  to  and  from  them,  would  pass 
here.  This  would  enable  this  section  to  enjoy  many  privi- 
leges that  other  sections  could  not,  but  all  of  this  history 
has  been  lost.  We  know  that  such  a  thing  was  done,  but 
we  do  not  know  who  came  and  who  preached. 

Two  new  churches  were  received  at  this  session  of  the 
Association.  They  were  West  Monroe,  organized  June 
27,  1911,  and  Union  Grove_,  organized  the  same  year.  They 
were  given  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  by  the  Moderator 
and  given  seats  in  the  assembly. 

R.  H.  James  offered  a  motion  to  the  effect  that  we 
organize  a  Union  Meeting,  and  that  we  make  it  more  spir- 
itual than  it  had  been,  since  the  one  object  of  all  of  our 
meetings  was  the  salvation  of  souls.  He  also  moved  that 
the  first  fifth  Sunday  after  February  be  given  to  the  Sun- 
day School  work,  and  that  a  special  program  for  that  pur- 
pose be  gotten  out  each  time.  The  motion  carried,  but  if 
it  has  amounted  to  anything  we  have  failed  to  find  it  out 
by  the  minutes.  How  easy  it  was  to  make  motions  and 
carry  them,  but  how  hard  it  is  to  get  them  put  into  prac- 

13 


194  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

tice.  Brother  James  was  right  in  his  motion,  but  the  breth- 
ren were  wrong  in  not  carrying  it  out. 

The  Executive  Committee  employed  Rev.  R.  H.  James 
to  preach  half  of  his  time  at  Monroe  this  year.  He  gave 
two  Sundays  to  this  work,  dividing  time  between  West 
Monroe  and  North  Monroe.  He  organized  a  church  at 
West  Monroe,  built  a  house  of  worship,  organized  a  good 
Sunday  School,  and  put  the  work  in  good  shape.  Possibly 
more  was  done  for  the  work  at  these  cotton  mills  in  Mon- 
roe this  year  than  had  been  done  at  all.  Several  brethren 
had  worked  hard  at  these  points,  but  they  had  not  accom- 
plished as  much  as  they  had  hoped,  but  when  Brother 
James  took  the  work  it  went  forward  by  leaps  and  bounds 
for  the  first  year.  The  second  year  was  not  so  good.  He 
continued  under  the  Board  for  two  years.  The  last  year 
he  gave  all  of  his  time  to  these  points. 

The  fifty-eighth  session  of  the  Union  Association  met 
with  Macedonia  Baptist  Church  October  9-11,  1912.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  E.  C.  Snider 
from  Titus  ii.  7. 

Bro.  V.  T.  Chears  declined  to  be  elected  Moderator 
another  time,  so  the  election  resulted  in  Rev.  M.  D.  L. 
Preslar  for  Moderator,  T.  P.  Little  Vice-j\Ioderator,  Brax- 
ton Craig  Clerk,  and  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer.  J.  W. 
Bivens  was  contintied  as  Historian.  The  clerk  made  the 
following  report  of  the  work  done  during  the  year: 

"Seventeen  churches  reported  a  gain  of  $3,384.43 ;  sev- 
enteen churches  reported  a  loss  of  $2,133.24;  two  churches 
that  reported  $285.00  last  year  failed  to  report  this  year, 
leaving  a  gain  of  $695.19,  and  a  grand  total  of  $14,412.76. 
We  added  301  by  baptism  this  year  and  had  35  deaths." 


Union  Baptist  Association.  195 

The  fifty-ninth  session  of  the  Union  Association  met 
with  Meadow  Branch  Baptist  Church  October  8-10,  1913. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Braxton  Craig 
of  Monroe.    Text  I  Cor.  iv.  2. 

M.  D.  L.  Preslar  was  re-elected  Moderator,  T.  P.  Little 
Vice-Moderator,  Braxton  Craig  Clerk,  F.  B.  Ashcraft 
Treasurer  and  J.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 

The  Association  was  a  very  good  session.  But  few 
things  of  extraordinary  interest  came  up.  The  only  thing 
we  notice  worth  mentioning  was  a  resolution  in  regard  to 
Rev.  J.  W.  Little.  The  Association  passed  a  resolution 
by  unanimous  vote  that  it  did  not  endorse  the  manner  of 
doing  work  that  was  being  practiced  by  him.  Much  feel- 
ing had  been  aroused  at  Wingate  over  a  meeting  that  he 
held  there  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  S.  N,  Watson. 
Possibly  this  ought  not  to  have  been  done.  The  brethren 
got  a  little  too  warm  over  this  matter,  but  we  are  glad  to 
note  that  at  the  session  of  this  Association,  held  with  Old 
Waxhaw  Baptist  Church  in  1915,  this  resolution  was 
rescinded. 

The  sixtieth  session  of  the  Union  Association  was  held 
with  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Monroe  October  7-9,  1914. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  A.  C.  Da- 
vis from  Nehemiah  iv.  19-20. 

Rev.  M.  D.  L.  Preslar  was  re-elected  Moderator,  A. 
Marsh  Vice-Moderator,  Braxton  Craig  Clerk,  F.  B.  Ash- 
craft Treasurer,  J.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 

The  Association  sustained  a  severe  loss  this  year  in 
the  death  of  Rev.  J.  L.  Bennett.  He  had  been  an  active 
member  for  many  years,  but  his  face  was  not  seen  at  this 
session,  and  will  not  be  any  more.  (See  his  biography  in 
the  list  in  this  book.) 


196  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

The  session  of  1915  was  held  with  Hopewell  baptist 
Church.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Lee  McBride  White  of  ]\Ionroe.    Text,  John  xi.  5-28. 

All  of  the  churches  were  represented  at  the  first  ses- 
sion, either  by  messengers  or  by  letter.  The  organization 
resulted  in  J.  C.  Sikes  for  Moderator,  Braxton  Craig  Clerk, 
E.  C.  Snider  Vice-Moderator,  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer, 
J.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 

Austins  Grove  had  been  admitted  at  the  session  held 
with  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  ^lonroe  in  1914,  but  it 
had  not  appeared  in  the  minutes  until  this  session.  The 
clerk  failed  to  mention  it,  or  we  have  been  unable  to  find 
the  record. 

This  general  word  is  added  by  the  Committee  on  the 
State  of  the  Churches : 

"The  revival  meetings  which  were  held  during  this  year 
will  long  be  remembered  by  the  churches  of  this  Associa- 
tion. God  graciously  blessed  every  church  in  this  Associa- 
tion this  year.  The  spiritual  condition  of  the  churches  is 
excellent,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  reports  of  baptism  from 
every  section." 

We  made  very  rapid  progress  this  year  so  far  as  num- 
bers were  concerned ;  now  comes  the  testing  time.  AVill 
we  train  them  for  efficient  work  ?  This  has  been  our 
trouble  all  the  while. 

A  motion  carried  to  place  a  cut  of  Elder  J.  A.  Bivens 
in  the  front  of  the  minutes  this  year.  Xo  preacher  has 
even  been  more  loved  in  this  section,  and,  we  might  say, 
any  section  of  this  State  than  Uncle  Joe  Bivens.  He  has 
been  faithful  for  many  years,  and  is  still  as  enthusiastic 
as  a  young  man,  but  his  body  is  very  frail.  He  is  past 
eighty. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  197 

The  session  of  1916  was  held  with  Old  AA'axhaw  Baptist 
Church  October  4-6.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Rev.  M.  D.  L.  Preslar  from  Col.  iii.  1-2.  John 
C.  Sikes  was  re-elected  ^Moderator,  E.  C.  Snyder  Vice- 
]\[oderator,  B.  H.  Griffin  Clerk,  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer, 
T.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 

The  sessions  were  very  harmonious,  but  nothing  worth 
'mentioning  was  done. 

The  session  of  1917  was  held  with  3ilill  Creek  Baptist 
Church.  The  election  of  officers  preceded  the  introduc- 
tory sermon  at  this  session.  John  C.  Sikes  was  re-elected 
^Moderator.  C.  J.  Black  A'ice-Moderator,  B.  H.  Griffin 
Clerk,  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treasurer,  J.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  then  preached  by  Rev.  C.  J. 
Black  from  Psalms  Lxxxv.  6,  "Wilt  thou  not  revive  us  again; 
that  thy  people  may  rejoice." 

The  Woman's  Missionary  Union  gave  a  splendid  pro- 
gram at  this  session,  as  they  had  the  year  before  at  Wax- 
haw.     Several  fine  reports  and  papers  were  read  by  them. 

The  session  of  1918  could  not  be  held  at  the  usual  time 
because  of  a  terrible  epidemic  of  Spanish  Influenza,  which 
had  spread  all  over  our  country,  and  had  slain  its  hundreds 
and  thousands.  We  did  not  get  to  have  the  Association 
until  November  14-15.  W^e  finished  the  work  in  two  days 
because  of  health  conditions  in  the  community  of  Olive 
Branch,  and  because  so  many  sections  were  under  quaran- 
tine. This  session  was  held  with  Olive  Branch  Church. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  John  A. 
Wray,  pastor  of  First  Baptist  Church  of  ]\Ionroe.  Text, 
Mai.  iii.  8,  "Will  a  man  rob  God"  ?  The  sermon  was  well 
presented,  and  took  as  much  efirect  upon  the  people  as  we 
have  seen  an  introductory  sermon  at  any  time. 


198  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

Rev.  A.  C.  Davis  was  elected  Moderator,  C.  J.  Black 
Vice-Moderator,  B.  H.  Griffin  Clerk,  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Treas- 
rer,  J.  W.  Bivens  Historian. 

A  motion  to  have  a  history  of  the  Union  Association 
written  carried,  and  Rev.  M.  D.  L.  Preslar,  Elder  J.  A. 
Bivens  and  C.  J.  Black  were  appointed  to  do  the  work. 
Rev.  A.  C.  Davis  was  appointed  the  year  before,  but  did 
not  have  the  data,  so  he  could  not  get  out  the  work.  Every 
church  in  the  Association  was  requested  to  aid  in  every 
way  possible  in  this  work.  Thus  we  began  our  task  imme- 
diately after  the  Association  closed.  We  found  a  com- 
plete file  of  minutes  save  three.  Some  of  them  were  torn, 
and  we  could  not  tell  all  that  we  wish  to  find  out  from 
them,  but  we  have  managed  to  get  the  most  of  the  data. 
Some  of  the  brethren  have  been  very  careless  about  an- 
swering our  letters,  but  have  been  trying  to  carry  out  the 
demands  of  the  Association. 

The  Association  now  has  thirty-nine  churches,  with  a 
membership  of  6,149.  The  Sunday  School  work  is  im- 
mense. The  Wingate  School  has  a  new  dormitory,  built 
by  Brother  G.  M.  Stewart. 

The  next  session  of  the  Association  will  be  held  with 
Philadelphia  Baptist  Church  Wednesday  and  Thursday  be-' 
fore  the  second  Sunday  in  October,  1919. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  199 


CHAPTER  IX. 

History  of  Woman's  ^Missionary  Work  in  the  Union 
Association. 

As  we  make  an  attempt  to  try  to  tell  of  some  of  the 
work  that  has  been  done  in  the  Union  Association,  we 
will  say,  in  the  beginning,  that  it  will  not  be  a  complete 
history  by  any  means,  but  rather  an  incomplete  summary. 
First,  the  writer  feels  her  inability  for  giving  a  complete 
record  of  this  great  work,  also  from  the  fact  that  our  time 
is  so  very  limited,  and  so  many  records  are  not  to  be  had, 
and  then,  too,  there  has  been  so  much  done  that  cannot  be 
recorded ;  eternity  alone  can  reveal  some  of  the  works  of 
vmr  women. 

When  ^^^oman's  Work  first  came  into  existence  in  our 
"Association  it  had  a  very  struggling  existence,  as  practically 
no  support  or  encouragement  was  given  it;  the  object  of 
this  work  was  not  really  understood  by  a  great  many ; 
some  of  those  who  did  not  understand  were  often  heard 
of  making  remarks  in  the  way  of  criticisms,  but  these  few 
pioneer  workers  in  our  Association  did  not  give  up ;  they 
were  heroines ;  they  were  women  of  strong  conviction,, 
believing  that  Jesus'  last  command  fell  with  equal  em- 
phasis on  women.  It  v/as  the  purpose  and  object  of  these 
earnest  women  to  organize  or  unite  themselves  together 
to  cultivate  and  foster  the  missionary  spirit,  which  is  the 
"Christ   Spirit,"  among  our  women  and   children. 

It  was  in  1897  that  the  first  permanent  Woman's  Mis- 
sionary Society  was  organized  in  our  Association.     Prior 


200  History  of  the  Browx  Creek 

to  this  time  there  had  been  a  W.  M.  S.  and  a  Young  W. 
M.  S.  in  the  First  Baptist  Church,  Monroe,  but  we  have 
no  record  of  their  organizations  or  disbanding. 

Some  think  that  the  first  permanent  Woman's  Mis- 
sionary Society  was  organized  at  IMarshville,  but  from 
the  records  we  have  Monroe  has  the  honor  of  being  the 
first,  by  only  a  very  short  time,  it  being  organized  Feb- 
ruary 18,  1897,  by  Rev.  Hight  C.  Moore,  who  was  pastor. 
Mrs.  Hight  C.  Moore  was  elected  President,  Mrs.  D.  A. 
Covington  Mce-President,  Mrs.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  Secre- 
tary, and  Miss  Hattie  Belk  Treasurer.  The  following, 
together  with  the   officers,   were   charter  members : 

Mrs.  A.  W.  Biggers,  Mrs.  G.  W.  Meredith,  Mrs.  E. 
W.  Phifer,  and  Mrs.  J.  H.  Benton. 

Dr.  Moore  co-operated  and  helped  lay  the  foundation 
of  this  work  in  the  church  at  Monroe.  He  was  ever  loyal 
and  faithful  as  long"  as  he  was  pastor,  but  in  a  little  over 
a  year  after  this  organization  he  and  Mrs.  Moore  saw  fit 
to  go  to  another  field  of  labor.  ^Irs.  William  Archer  was 
elected  President,  as  Mrs.   Moore's  successor. 

Dr.  A.  M.  Croxton  succeeded  Dr.  Moore  as  pastor, 
and  he,  as  Dr.  Moore,  was  ever  a  warm  friend  to  the 
W.  M.  S.  It  seemed  with  his  coming  that  he  purposed 
in  his  heart  to  be  of  the  most  possible  help  in  this  work, 
encouraging  and  supporting  it  in  every  way  possible ;  it 
was  through  his  efl:'orts  that  a  Woman's  Weekly  prayeY 
meeting  was  started,  which  was  kept  up  for  years.  It 
was  through  these  little  prayer  meetings  that  the  spiritual 
life  of  some  of  our  women  was  greatly  developed.  The 
name  of  Dr.  Croxton  is  still  held  dear  in  the  hearts  of 
those   who   remain.      During  his   pastorate   he   was   called 


Union  Baptist  Association.  201 

upon  to  give  up  his  devoted  companion.  ]\Irs.  'Slay  Ker- 
foot  Croxton,  so,  in  loving  memory  of  her,  the  society 
was  named   "The   ]May   Kerfoot   Missionary   Society." 

The  Woman's  ?\Iissionary  Society  at  Alarshville  was 
organized  ^larch  — ,  1897,  by  Mrs.  G.  A.  Marsh,  who  be- 
came its  first  president;  the  names  of  other  officers  and 
members  are  not  at  hand.  Mrs.  Marsh  deserves  special 
credit  for  the  valuable  service  rendered  while  she  was 
president.  In  later  years  this  society  had  a  Women's 
prayer  meeting  every  Friday  evening,  which  counted  so 
much  toward  developing  spirituality  in  the  lives  of  those 
who  attended. 

The  Woman's  [Missionary  Society  at  Aleadow  Branch 
was  organized  in  1897  by  Airs.  L.  C.  Bennett  of  Wades- 
boro.  Mrs.  Betty  Benton  was  elected  President,  Miss 
Polly  Growler  Secretary.  The  meetings  were  held  twice 
a  month.     Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson  was  pastor  at  this  time. 

These  three  societies,  as  dates  show,  were  all  organized 
in  the  same  year.  We  have  a  space  of  nine  years  before 
we  have  a  record  of  another  organization,  save  one  known 
as  the  "Workers'  Band,"  for  the  children,  in  the  First 
Church  at  Monroe.  Probably  this  was  organized  before 
1897,  as  we  have  no  definite  account  of  its  organization. 
Mrs.  J.  G.  Fletcher  had  charge  of  this  work  for  some 
time,  and  Miss  Lillie  Austin  succeeded  her ;  she  also 
served  as  leader  of  this  work  for  quite  a  number  of  years  ; 
later  the  name  was  changed  to  "Sunbeam  Band."  Aliss 
Mary  Govington  was  the  first  Sunbeam  leader. 

These  first  nine  years  of  Woman's  Missionary  Work 
in  our  Association  wefe  years  of  struggles  and  difficulties, 
yet  they  were  years  of  foundation  laying  and  seed  sowing. 


202  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

During  these  years  we  have  no  financial  record  as  to  the 
amount  these  societies  gave,  yet  we  know  they  heeded 
Christ's  teachings,  "Lay  by  in  store  as  God  hath  pros- 
pered." 

Mrs.  D.  A.  Covington  was  appointed  by  the  Central 
Committee  at  Raleigh  as  first  Vice-President  of  our  Asso- 
ciation ;  Mrs.  W.  F.  Watson  was  her  successor,  neither 
of  them  holding  the  office  very  long.  At  this  time  condi- 
tions were  such  that  not  much  progress  was  made  in  the 
rural  parts  of  our  Association. 

In  1906  Mrs.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  was  appointed  Vice-Presi- 
dent. By  this  time  it  seems  that  the  missionary  enthusiasm 
was  beginning  to  spread  a  little  more  in  other  parts  of 
our  Association,  as  other  organizations  are  beginning  to 
come  in. 

Shiloh. 

A  W.  M.  S.  was  organized  at  Shiloh  during  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Association  October  13,  1906,  by  Mrs.  F.  B. 
Ashcraft.  Mrs.  Lemuel  Polk  was  elected  President,  Later 
this  society  disbanded,  but  was  reorganized  September  9, 
1911,  Miss  Alattie  Polk  President,  Mrs.  Grace  Bogers 
Vice-President,  Miss  Estelle  Benton  Secretary,  Mrs.  Lem- 
uel Polk  Treasurer. 

Y.  W.  A.,  Monroe. 

The  next  organization  was  a  Y.  W.  A.,  First  Church, 
Monroe,  February  — ,  1908.  Mrs.  C.  A.  G.  Thomas  was 
President.  After  a  little  more  than  a  year  it  disbanded  and 
was  reorganized  February  13,  1910,  with  Miss  Lydia  Ben- 
ton President,  Miss  Nell  Curlee  Vice-President,  Miss  Rosa 
Blakeney  Secretary,  Miss  Eunice  Benton  Treasurer. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  20S 

Old  Waxhaw. 
On  May  31,  1908,  Airs.  Ashcraft  organized  a  W.  M.  S. 
at  Old  Waxhaw,  with  eight  members.  Miss  SalHe  Starnes 
was  elected  President.  Shortly  afterwards  she  resigned 
as  President,  but  served  as  Secretary  for  a  while.  Mrs. 
James  H.  Godfrey  was  elected  President. 

Union. 
]Mrs.  Ashcraft  organized  a  W.  M.  S.  at  Union  during 
the  session  of  the  Association  on  October   11,   1908,  with 
12  members.     Mrs.  J.  B.  Eubanks  President,  Miss   Sarah 
Parker  Secretary. 

Mountain    Springs. 
On  October   18.   1908,  a  W.   M.   S.   was  organized  by 
Airs.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  at  Alountain  Springs,  with  six  mem- 
bers, Mrs.  A.  W.  Williams  President,  Mrs.  A.  D.  Moore- 
Secretary,  Miss  Rebecca  Davis  Treasurer. 

Mill  Creek. 
On  July  — ,    1908,    Mrs.    F.    B.    Ashcraft   organized   a 
W.   M.   S.  at   Mill  Creek  with  six  members,   Mrs.   W.  J. 
Braswell    President,    Airs.    Fanny    Price    Secretary,    Miss 
Rilla  Braswell  Treasurer. 

Mt.  Harmony. 

Airs.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  organized  a  W.  AT  S.  at  Mt. 
Harmony  September  12,  1909,  with  sixteen  members,  Mrs. 
E.  J.  Phillips  President,  Mrs.  C.  C.  Haigler  Vice-Presi- 
dent, Aliss  Leona  Aloser  Secretary,  Aiiss  Nealie  Sustar 
Treasurer. 


204  History  of  tpie  Brown  Creek 

Hopewell. 
On  September  19,  1909,  a  W.  M.  S.  was  organizfid  at 
Hopewell   by   Mrs.    Ashcraft   with   eleven   members,    Mrs. 
Nannie  Biggers  President,  Miss  Lnla  Pope  Vice-President, 
Mrs.  Dora  Pigg  Secretary,  Aliss  Ada  Crowell  Treasurer. 

R.  A.,  Monroe. 
The  Hight  Moore  Chapter  of  R.  A.  was  organized,  First 
Church,  Monroe,  June  6,  1909,  by  Mrs.  G.  ]\I.  Beasley  and 
Miss   Susie  Covington  with  ten  members.     Officers : 

Frank  Ashcraft.  Ambassador-in-Chief. 
John   Beasley,    Secretary. 
Parks  Williams,  Treasurer. 

Miss  Susie  Covington  was  leader,  Mrs.  G.  M.  Beasley 
was  assistant.  In  a  short  time  Miss  Covington  resigned 
and  J\lrs.  Beasley  was  leader,  which  position  she  held  for 
a  number  of  years  with  fine  results. 

Mt.   Olive. 

A  W.  M.  S.  was  organized  by  Mrs.  Ashcraft  at  ]\It. 
Olive  November  21,  1909,  with  twelve  members,  Mrs.  Eu- 
gene McRae  President,  Miss  Mary  Rushing  Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss  Alma  Rivers  Secretary,  Miss  May  Billingsby 
Treasurer. 

Bethel. 

On  November  21,  1909,  Mrs.  Ashcraft  organized  a  W. 
M.  S.  at  Bethel  with  seven  members,  Miss  Fronie  Morgan 
President,  Mrs.  G.  H.  Tadlock  Vice-President,  Miss  Lalia 
Morgan  Secretary,  Miss  Blanche  Ashcraft  Treasurer. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  205 

Antioch. 
On  Sunday,  June  26,  1910,  'Sirs.  Ashcraft  organized  a 
W.  ]M.  S.  at  Antioch  with  12  members,  ^Mrs.  M.  B.  Belk 
President,  Mrs.  R.  J.  Haigler  Vice-President,  Miss  Carrie 
Furr  Secretary,   ]\Irs.   'M.  E.   TomberHn  Treasurer. 

R.  A.,   ]\iEADOw   Branch. 
On  November  6,  1910,  Prof,  and  ^Irs.  B.  Y.  Tyner  or- 
ganized the  J-  B.  Richardson  Chapter  of  R.  A.  at  Meadow 
Branch  with  18  members: 

Airs.  B.  Y.  Tyner,  Chief  Counselor. 

Boyce  Griffin,  Chief  Ambassador. 

John  Bivens,   First  Assistant  .Vmbassador. 

Cecil  Perry,  Second  Assistant  Ambassador. 

Zeb  Jones,  Chapter  Secretary. 

A.   F.   Funderburk,   Corresponding   Secretary. 

L.   P.  AVilHams,  Treasurer. 

V.  A.  Redfearn,  Collector. 

L.  L.  Carroll,  Librarian. 

R.  A.,  AIarshville. 

On  January  1,  1911,  !Mrs.  F.  B.  Ashcraft  and  Airs. 
George  Beasley  organized  the  Livingston  Chapter  of  R. 
A.,  at  Alarshville,  with  16  members;  Airs.  F.  W.  Ash- 
craft was  Chief  Counselor,  Ray  Xewson  Ambassador 
Chief,   John   Little    Secretary. 

Sunbeam   Band,   AIarshville. 

On  the  same  date,  Januarv  1,  1911,  Airs.  Ashcraft  and 
Airs.    Beaslev    orsfanized    a    Sunbeam    Band    at    Alarshville 


206  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

with  12  members,  Miss  Carrie  Green  leader,  ]\'Iiss  Floy 
Myers  assistant,  Mary  Marsh  President,  Mary  Griffin  Sec- 
retary. 

Macedonia. 
October  8,  1911,  Mrs.  Ashcraft  organized  a  W.  M.  S. 
at  Macedonia  with  7  members.   Miss   Alinnie   Funderburk 
President,    Mrs.    M.    D.    L.    Preslar    Vice-President,    Miss 
Effie  Laney   Secretary,   Mrs.   Gilbert   Preslar   Treasurer. 

West  Monroe. 

A  W.  M.  S.  was  organized  at  West  Monroe  (Icemor- 
lee)  December  7 ,  1911,  with  8  members,  Mrs.  W.  F.  Brink- 
ley  President,  Mrs.  Lloyd  Smith  Vice-President,  Miss 
Edna  Brinkley  Secretary,  Miss  Lillie  Presson  Treasurer. 
After  some  time  they  disbanded,  but  Mrs  .Ashcraft  re- 
organized, on  October  5,  1913,  with  15  members.  Mrs. 
John  Correll  was  elected  President  and  Miss  Eugenia  Wil- 
liams Secretary.  Mrs.  Correll  held  this  position  for  quite 
a  while  and  rendered  valuable  service  to  this  society.  At 
the  request  of  this  society  cottage  prayer  meetings  were 
held  for  a  long  time,  several  ladies  going  from  the  First 
Church,  Monroe,  and  assisting  in  these  meetings.  This 
society  in  1914  was  named  the  Maggie  Benton  Society,  in 
memory  of  Mrs.  John  H.  Benton. 

King  Street^  Waxhaw. 

On  July  26,  1912,  a  Y.  W.  A.  was  organized  at  King 
Street,  Waxhaw,  with  11  members.  Mrs.  George  H.  Mer- 
rill was  leader,  ]\Iiss  Lola  Burgess  President,  Miss  Edna 
Mae  King  Secretary. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  207 

R.  A.,  West  Monroe. 
The  Braxton  Craig  Chapter  of  R.  A.  was  organized  at 
West  Alonroe  by  Mrs.  George  Beasle_y  November  24,  1912, 
with  14  members.  Mrs.  W.  W.  Horn  was  Chief  Counselor, 
Master  Thomas  Craig  Chief  Ambassador.  Mrs.  Horn  did 
splendid  work  with  these  boys.  It  was  through  her  influ- 
ence that  a  night  school  was  organized  (at  Icemorlee),  with 
about  25  pupils.  This  school  was  taught  by  Mr.  Boyd 
Copple,  who  was  a  Royal  Ambassador  of  First  Church, 
Monroe. 

Sunbeams,  West  Monroe. 

On  December  8,  1912,  a  Sunebam  Band  was  organized 
by  Airs.  G.  M.  ■ at  West  Monrof  with  17  mem- 
bers, Annie  May  Ashcraft  leader,  Grace  Benton  President, 
Laura  Moore  Benton  Secretary,  Lillie  Dees  Treasurer, 
Nell  Earnhardt  Organist. 

Y.  W.  A.,  Meadow  Branch, 

Y.  W.  A.  was  organized  at  Meadow  Branch  May  12, 
1913,  by  Mrs.  S.  N.  Watson,  with  officers  as  follows:  Aliss 
Sallie  Griffin,  President;  Miss  Maggie  Outen,  Vice-Pres- 
ident ;  Aliss  Edna  Wimberly,  Secretary  and  Treasurer . 
Miss  Lela  Whitmore,  Organist. 

Corinth. 

W.   M.   S.  was   organized  by   Airs.   F.   B.  Ashcraft  at 

Corinth   Saturday  afternoon,  ,   with    11 

members.      Airs.    F.   A.    AlcCorkle    President,   Airs.    P.    L. 
Presson  Secretary. 


208  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

North  Monroe. 

Other  societies  that  were  organized  during  the  time 
Airs.  Ashcraft  was  Superintendent  but  the  dates  of  which 
we  do  not  have  are  as  follows:  W.  M.  S.  at  North  Mon- 
roe; ]\Irs.  M.  C.  Long  was  Leader,  and  served  faithfully 
in  this  capacity  for  some  time. 

The  Laura  Moore  Chapter  of  R.  A.  at  North  Monroe^ 
Aliss  Ivey  Harmon  Leader,  James  Parker  Ambassador-in- 
Chief.  Also  a  Sunbeam  Band  at  North  Monroe,  Miss  Ruth 
McCorkle  Leader. 

Sunbeam  Band  at  Meadow  Branch,  Miss  Lillie  Outen 
Leader.  Miss  Ashcraft  had  the  following  ladies  to  assist 
her  in  the  organizations,  some  of  them  going  to  several 
places:  Mrs.  D.  B.  Snyder,  Miss  Hattie  Belk,  Mrs.  John 
Benton,  Mrs.  Frank  Benton,  Mrs.  George  Beasley,  Mrs.  M. 
C.  Long,  Mrs.  John  Correll. 

From  these  organizations,  during  Mrs.  Ashcraft's  years 
as  Superintendent,  together  with  many  other  facts  that  have- 
not  been  recorded,  any  one  can  readily  see  that  she  was 
faithful,  energetic  and  untiring  in  her  efforts  to  try  to  es- 
tablish and  advance  this  work  in  our  Association,  but  after 
serving  so  faithfully  for  a  period  of  ten  years  she  resigned 
in  favor  of  Mrs.  D.  B.  Snyder,  one  whom  she  knew  was 
qualified  for  this  responsible  position.  On  September  28, 
1916,  Mrs.  Snyder  was  unanimously  elected  Associational 
Superintendent.  She  at  once  entered  upon  her  new  duties 
with  enthusiasm  and  earnestness,  trying-  to  arouse  more  in- 
terest in  all  the  societies.  Quite  a  number  of  the  societies 
had  disbanded  at  this  time,  but  J\Irs.  Snyder  has  reorganized 
several  of  them,  namely.  Sunbeam  Band,  West  Monroe  ( Ice- 
morlee),  W.  M.  S.  at  Mill  Creek  (both  of  these  have  again 


Union  Baptist  AvSsociation.  209 

disbanded),  \V.  'M.  S.  at  Mountain  Springs,  Royal  Ambas- 
sadors, "Marshville,  Y.  W.  A.,  First  Church,  Monroe.  The 
following  new  societies  have  been  organized  since  Mrs.  Sny- 
der has  been  Superintendent : 

Girls'  Auxiliary,  Monroe. 
W.  M.  S.,  Faulks. 
Sunbeam  Band,  Shiloh. 
Sunbeam  Band,  Corinth. 
Sunbeam  Band,  Hopewell. 
Y.  W.  A.,  Marshville. 

Besides  these  organizations  Airs.  Snyder  has  kept  a  rec- 
ord of  some  of  the  other  work  that  she  has  done  in  the 
interest  of  this  work.  She  has  visited  many  societies,  con- 
ducted 25  meetings,  traveled  1,082  miles,  written  100  letters 
and  distributed  quite  a  great  deal  of  literature. 

About  three  years  ago  an  urgent  appeal  to  the  pastors 
and  laymen  from  the  leaders  of  Woman's  Work  was  made 
through  the  report  to  the  Association  to  give  more  encour- 
agement and  co-operation  to  the  women  ii/  their  Mission 
Society  Work.  This  appeal  was  discussed  by  the  brethren, 
who  then  decided  to  give  one  hour  of  each  Association  to 
Woman's  Work,  and  requested  the  women  to  conduct  the 
exercises  of  that  hour,  which  Airs.  D.  B.  Snyder,  Superin- 
tendent of  Woman's  Work  in  the  Association,  did  at  the 
next  Association,  and  has  since,  being  assisted  by  other 
members  of  Missionary  Societies. 

From  these  facts  we  can  see  that  Mrs.  Snyder  is  try- 
ing to  promote  and  stimulate  the  interest  of  this  great 
work  among  our  people.  The  Union  Association  is  large- 
ly indebted  to  Mrs.  Ashcraft  and  Mrs.   Snyder   for  their 

14 


210  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

faithful  service.  The  following  ladies  have  helped  J\Irs. 
Snyder  in  Associational  work,  visiting  societies  and  con- 
ducting some  meetings : 

Mrs.  Fred  Helms,  ]\Irs.  B.  B.  Freeman,  ]\'Irs.  B. '  D. 
Hinson,  Mrs.  R.  Gardner,  ]\Irs.  J.  F.  Correll,  Mrs.  J.  D. 
AVarren,  Mrs.  Joel  Griffin,  Airs.  W.  A.  Benton,  Mrs.  E. 
M.  Griffin. 

At  present  the  Association  has  the  following  societies 
with  officers :  W.  M.  S.,  Alonroe,  Mrs.  F.  F.  Ashcraft, 
President;  Mrs.  John  Correll,  Mce-President ;  Mrs.  T. 
W.  Maness,  Treasurer;    Airs.  W.  A.  Benton,  Secretary. 

Y.  W.  A.,  Alonroe — Airs.  Joel  Griffin,  President;  Airs. 
Walter  Sanders,  A'ice-President ;  Aliss  Annie  Pearl  Gaflf- 
ney.   Treasurer;    Aliss   Jennie   Summerlin,    Secretary. 

Sunbeam  Band,  Alonroe — Xo  report. 

W.  AI.  S.,  Alarshville— Airs.  Smith  Aledlin,  President; 
A4!rs.  B.  H.  Griffin,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Y.  W.  A.,  Alarshville — Aliss  Bernice  Phifer,  President. 

Sunbeam  Band.  Alarshville — Airs.  J.  H.  Griffin,  Leader. 

W.  AI.  S.,  Aleadow  Branch— Airs.  Baxter  Williams, 
President ;    Airs.  Kemp  Bivens,  Secretary. 

Sunbeam  Band,  Aleadow  Branch — A'liss  Blanche  Cha- 
ney.  Leader. 

W.  AI.  S.,  Shiloh— Airs.  Frank  A\^illiams,  President; 
Aliss  Alar}^  Hamilton,  Secretary. 

Sunbeam  Band,  Shiloh — Aliss  Alargaret  Benton,  Leader. 

W.  AI.  S.,  Corinth— Airs.  A.  R.  Helms,  President;  Airs. 
Beattie  Spittle,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Sunbeam  Band,  Corinth — Aliss  Emma  Richardson, 
Leader. 

W.  AI.  S.,  Hopewell— Airs.  T.  AI.  Wiley,  President. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  211 

Sunbeam  Band,  Hopewell — ,   Leader. 

W.  M.  S.,  Faulks— Mrs.  C.  L.  Brooks,  President;  Mrs. 
Joel  Presson,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

W.  M.  S.,  Mountain  Springs — i\Iiss  Maude  Moore, 
President ;    Mrs.  J.  J.  Moore,  Secretary. 

Two  of  the  societies,  Monroe  and  Marshville,  and  pos- 
sibly others,  are  using-  the  circle  or  group  plan. 

The  Society  at  ^'lonroe  is  divided  into  four  circles.  Mrs. 
R.  C.  Griffin,  who  served  for  some  time  as  leader  of  the 
Sunbeam  Band ;  Mrs.  John  Correll  and  Mrs.  E.  M.  Grif- 
fin, who  served  the  Society  for  a  number  of  years  as  Vice- 
Presidents,  are  circle  leaders.  One  circle  is  without  a 
leader. 

The  Society  at  Alarshville  is  divided  into  three  groups, 
■with  Mrs.  J.  W.  Godfrey,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Morgan  and  Mrs.  N. 
J.  Braswell  as  leaders. 

I  wish  that  we  might  take  up  each  Society  separately 
?ind  tell  of  the  many  things  that  have  been  done  through 
them ;  also  that  we  might  give  the  name  of  every  mem- 
ber of  these  organizations,  but  cannot,  so  will  have  to  tell 
in  a  general  way.  So  just  here  we  wish  to  bring  to  the 
minds  of  our  readers  a  few  of  the  things  that  have  been 
done  through  the  Missionary  Societies.  In  the  first  place, 
since  1906  up  to  March,  1919,  our  societies,  including  all 
organizations,  have  contributed  $7,175.82.  The  work  is 
planned  so  systematically  that  even  the  children  can  under- 
stand, having  a  certain  time  in  each  year  for  our  special 
offerings,  Foreign  Missions  or  Christmas  offerings  coming 
in  January,  Home  Mission  offering"  in  April,  and  State 
Mission  offering  in  September.  Tn  January  and  in  April 
special  weeks  of  prayer  are  observed  by  some   few  socie- 


212  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

ties,  which  have  meant  so  much  toward  spiritual  develop- 
ment. 

One  of  the  great  outstanding  features  of  our  work  is 
the  establishing  of  memorials  in  Church  Building  Loan 
Fund.  This  fund  is  placed  with  the  Home  Mission  Board, 
to  be  loaned  to  needy  churches  to  enable  them  to  build. 
In  October,  1917,  the  W.  ^l.  S.  of  First  Church,  Monroe, 
established  a  $500  memorial,  known  as  the  Hattie  Belk 
Memorial,  in  honor  of  Miss  Hattie  D.  Belk,  one  of  the 
charter  members  of  the  Society,  who  had  been  loyal  and 
faithful  to  the  Society  for  all  these  years,  through  rough 
as  well  as  smooth  periods  of  its  existence,  and  steadfastly 
served  in  many  ways  to  make  the  Society  a  success  and 
a  blessing  to  as  many  as  she  could  possibly  assist  or  in- 
fluence. 

IMiss  Hattie  sends  the  following  message : 
"Ever  since  this  action  of  our  Society  was  made  public 
I  have  craved  to  tell,  especially  the  timid  women  who  feel 
that  they  cannot  do  much  and  know  that  they  cannot  do 
any  great  thing  in  their  Society  or  church,  that  this  great 
honor  has  come  to  one  of  just  that  sort,  only  because  she 
had  in  her  weakness,  and  with  much  imperfection,  con- 
tinued to  endeavor  to  serve  in  whatever  ways  she  could, 
for  she  felt  that  she  belonged  to  the  Society,  and  that  it 
afforded  opportunities  for  serving  our  Savior.  Some  of 
these  services  are  certainly  possible  for  every  one,  in  try- 
ing to  encourage  and  assist  the  ofificers  and  other  active 
members,  and  to  win  and  help  backward  ones  to  become 
interested  and  to  develop  for  service.  ]\Iuch  of  what  I 
did  was  just  in  a  private,  unnoticed  way,  often  doing  only 
little  things  which  no  one  else  took  hold  of,  and  at  times 


Union  Baptist  Association.  213 

there  came  the  question  whether  any  one  thought  the  ef- 
forts worth  while,  or  understood  the  motive  and  desire  to 
serve. 

"Therefore  this  great  recognition  which  our  Society 
has  given  my  faulty  work  was  an  overwhelming  surprise, 
of  which  I  feel  very  unworthy,  and  shrink  from  the  puh- 
lic  honors  it  has  incurred.  Yet  I  am  hoping  that  this  gen- 
erous action  of  our  Society  may  cause  others  to  do  more, 
to  in  some  way  express  their  appreciation  of  the  efforts 
of  their  workers  while  they  are  with  them,  and  need  en- 
couragement and  con:ifort.  And  I  trust  that  it  will  cause 
other  timid  ones  to  ever  strive  to  do  whatever  they  can, 
remembering  that  the  service  may  be  for  One  who  notices 
it  all,  and  will  in  His  own  good  time  express  approval  of 
everything  wdiich  has  been  done  for  His  sake." 

Another  memorial  was  established  by  the  other  socie- 
ties of  the  Association  at  the  Associational  meeting  at 
Marshville  in  September,  1918,  in  honor  of  Rev.  J.  A. 
Bivens,  one  of  the  best  loved  ministers  of  the  Association. 
Also  at  this  meeting  ^Irs.  J.  H.  Griffin  was  elected  the  first 
Band  Superintendent  of  the  Association. 

There  are  two  traveling  libraries  in  the  Association,  do- 
nated by  the  W.  ^I.  S.  at  Monroe.  These  libraries  consist 
of  books  that  deal  with  missions.  Upon  recjuest  these  li- 
braries are  loaned  to  any  Society. 

There  have  been  several  Alission  Study  Classes  in  a 
few  of  the  societies.  However,  the  first  Mission  Study 
Class  in  the  Association  wa.»  at  Aleadow^  Branch.  This 
class  was  organized  by  Prof,  and  Mrs.  Tyner ;  it  was  com- 
posed of  35  boys  and  girls.  ]\Irs.  Tyner  was  leader.  They 
begun  b}'  studying  "Servants  of  the  King." 


214  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Personal  Service  is  a  form  of  work  that  some  of  our 
societies  place  special  emphasis  upon.  ]\Iany  boxes  have 
been  packed  and  sent  to  missionaries,  orphanages,  flood 
sufferers,  and  others  who  were  in  need  have  been  clothed, 
many  homes  have  been  comforted  and  cheered  by  visitors, 
also  visits  to  alms  h^-use,  jail  and  convicts'  camp,  visits 
to  weak  societies,  also  teaching  in  weak  Sunday  Schools, 
flowers  and  daintie?  sent  to  sick  and  shut-ins,  garments 
made  for  motherless  children,  Red  Cross  and  other  kinds 
of  Avar  work,  and  numbers  of  other  things,  many  of  which 
cannot  be  expressed  ;   eternity  alone  can  estimate  the  value. 

In  the  early  days  of  our  work  the  annual  meetings  were 
held  a  tthe  same  time  of  the  general  Association,  in  a 
school  houso  or  sometimes  a  church  of  another  denomi- 
nation, but  in  1910  the  weather  was  very  unfavorable  at 
the  time  of  the  Association,  so  no  Woman's  meeting  was 
held.  Rev.  Braxton  Craig,  who  was  in  hearty  sympathy 
with  t!iis  work,  invited  the  ladies  of  the  Association  to 
meet  in  his  church  in  ]\Ionroe  at  an  early  date,  so  Airs.  F. 
B.  Ashcraft,  who  was  Superintendent,  called  for  a  meet- 
ing on  November  1,  1910,  and  at  this  meeting  it  was  unan- 
imously decided  to  hold  these  Associational  meetings  sep- 
arate from  the  general  Association.  No  doubt  this  step 
was  the  turning  point  of  Woman's  Work  in  this  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  State  Annual  W.  M.  S.  was  entertained  by  the 
Alonroe  Church  in  IMarch,  1912. 

By  request  of  some  of  the  older  members  of  the  W. 
M.  S.  at  Monroe  the  following  names  are  recorded  as 
having  been  loyal  helpers  in  the  Society:  Mrs.  G.  T.  Aus- 
tin, Mrs.  Maggie  Helms,  Mrs.  William  Archer,  Miss  Mat- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  215 

tie  Pyroii,  Airs.  George  Meredith,  Airs.  Sara  Croxton, 
Mrs.  Alag-gie  Benton,  Airs.  Tom  Polk,  Airs.  W.  A.  Lane, 
Airs.  Lula  Benton.  Airs.  A.  \V.  Biggers  served  as  Vice- 
President  for  several  years;  Airs.  H.  E.  Copple  was  Sec- 
retary for  quite  a  while;  Airs.  Frank  Williams  was  Treas- 
urer for  some  time,  and  Airs.  Fred  Helms  served  for  a 
number  of  years,  first  as  Secretary  and  later  as  Treasurer. 

In  reviewing  this  work  we  recall  the  names  of  many 
who  have  been  called  to  Higher  Service,  amongf  them  be- 
ing  the  following  officers  of  societies :  Airs.  C.  Fl.  Rich- 
ardson joined  the  W.  AI.  S.  at  Alonroe  soon  after  its  or- 
ganization, and  served  as  Secretary  and  Treasurer  for 
quite  a  while,  making  an  excellent  officer.  She  was  faith- 
ful and  deeply  interested  in  mission  work.  Hers  was  in- 
deed a  life  of  service,  always  looking  out  for  the  interest 
of  others,  sharing  their  sorrows  as  well  as  joys.  She  was. 
called  away  February  17,  1912. 

Airs.  J.  FL  Benton  was  a  charter  member  of  the  W.  AL 
S.  at  Alonroe.  She  went  to  her  Heavenly  home  February 
11,  1914.  She  served  the  Society  as  Treasurer  for  some 
time.  Her  Christ-like  influence  was  an  inspiration  to  her 
co-workers,  her  fellowship  and  co-operation  were  always 
pleasant,  her  sweet,  gentle,  unselfish  life  won  the  admira- 
tion of  all;  she  lived  for  others.  The  world  is  better  for- 
her  life. 

On  September  15,  1917,  the  spirit  of  Airs.  D.  A.  Cov- 
ington was  called  from  earth  to  Heaven.  She  was  also' 
a  charter  member  of  the  W.  AI.  S.  at  Alonroe.  She  faith- 
fully served  the  Society  as  President  at  several  dififerent 
times,  having  been  President  ten  years  at  the  time  of  her 
death.     Ller  wise   and   able   leadership   will   never  be    for- 


216  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

gotten;  her  life  was  one  of  loving  sacrifice,  utterly  for- 
getful of  self  and  generous  in  her  judgment  of  others.  She 
was  loved  and  admired  by  all.  The  precious  memory  of 
her  noble  life  will  linger  with  us. 

Airs.  Lillie  ^Morgan  Harrell  died  November  17,  1909. 
She  served  the  \\\  ]\I.  S.  at  Alarshville  as  President  for 
some  time,  making  an  efficient  leader.  She  was  faithful 
and  devoted  to  the  work  of  the  Society.  She  followed  the 
exaniples  of  her  godly  mother,  who  was  such  a  conse- 
crated worker  in  the  early  days  of  the  Society.  ]\Irs. 
Harrell's  bright,  sweet,  cheerful  disposition  and  her  beau- 
tiful voung  life  was  indeed  a  blessing  to  her  church  and 
community. 

Mrs.  Jennie  Griffin  Tucker  was  Secretary  of  the  \^^ 
\I.  S.  at  Meadow  Branch  for  quite  a  while.  She  was  loyal 
and  faithful  until  her  health  would  not  allow ;  she  was 
always  at  her  post  of  duty.  Her  sweet  disposition  won 
the  admiration  of  others.  She  loved  the  ^Missionary  So- 
cietv  and  its  work.  A\'e  wonder  why  God  should  have 
taken  one  so  needed. 

Mrs.  Sallie  Stearnes  was  elected  first  President  of  the 
Society  at  Old  AA'axhaw,  and  later  served  as  Secretary. 
She  was  greatly  beloved  b}'  the  people  of  her  church  and 
community. 

We  feel  that  just  here  it  is  very  fitting  that  the  name 
of  ]\lr.  F.  P).  Ashcraft,  who  has  so  recently  been  called  to 
his  reward,  should  appear,  as  he  was  ever  a  staunch  friend 
of  the  women  in  their  mission  work.  He  alwavs  encour- 
aged and  aided  Airs.  Ashcraft  in  her  Associational  duties 
when  she  was  Superintendent,  and  was  loyal  and  faithful 
to  the  A\\  AI.  S.  at  Monroe,  always  helping  in  every  way 
he  could  to  promote  the  progress  of  the  work. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  217 

In  trying  to  write  this  sketch  the  writer  has  heen  placed 
in  a  very  difficult  position,  as  practicall}'  all  the  record  we 
have  are  of  the  organization  of  societies,  and  the  work  at 
present,  therefore  many  of  our  best  and  most  faithful 
workers,  some  of  them  serving  as  officers  in  their  socie- 
ties, come  in  these  intervening  years  and  no  mention  is 
made  of  their  services,  which  we  regret  very  much,  but 
from  the  fact  that  our  time  was  so  very  lim'ited  it  was  im- 
possible to  secure  records  of  all  societies  during  these  years. 
AVe  feel  that  this  explanation  is  due. 

As  we  have  tried  to  sum  up  this  work,  we  feel  thank- 
ful for  what  has  been  accomplished.  It  seems  great  when 
Ave  think  of  the  comparatively  small  number  who  have  been 
actively  engaged  in  this  work. 

In  the  Association  we  have  39  churches :  only  8  of  these 
have  missionary  organizations.  Our  Association  is  at  the 
foot  of  the  ladder  in  Woman's  Work  compared  with  other 
associations.  These  organizations  are  a  source  of  strength 
to  the  churches  in  which  they  are  organized.  We  want  the 
women  and  children  of  our  Association  enlisted  in  this 
work.     God  wants  them  enrolled  for  service. 

Our  tasks  ahead  are  great,  but  let's  face  them  with  new 
hope,  courage  and  determination  to  win  larger  results  to 
the  glory  of  His  name. 

"Ours  is  the  seed  time, 
^  God  alone  beholds  the  good  of  what  is  sown, 

Beyond  our  vision,  weak  and  dim, 
The  harvest  time  is  hid  with  Him." 

March,  1919.  ■  —Mrs.  Joel  W.  Griffin. 


218  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  W  I  NX,  ate  School. 


J.  W.  Bivens. 


Origin. 

T'ne  origin  of  the  \\"ingate  School  will  carry  us  back 
to  the  early  history  of  the  Association.  For  many  years 
prior  to  the  existence  of  this  school  the  more  intelligent 
and  far-seeing  brethren  had  been  earnest  advocates  of  edu- 
cation, and  at  session  after  session  of  the  Association  strong 
appeals  had  been  made  through  reports  on  the  subject  and 
in  open  discussion  for  the  education  of  our  young  people. 

As  a  result  there  was  created  a  sentiment  for  better 
education  facilities,  and  along  with  it  ^  feeling  that  this 
early  training  should  be  under  proper  moral  and  religious 
influences.  Nothing  definite,  however,  was  done  imtil  the 
meeting  of  the  Association  at  Aleadow  Branch  in  October^ 
1895. 

Establishment. 

At  this  session,  in  the  report  on  Education,  submitted 
by  R.  F.  Beasley,  we  find  the  following:  "There  are  a 
large  number,  in  fact  the  greater  percentage  of  Baptist 
young  men  and  women,  boys  and  girls,  who  can  never 
possibly  attend  our  higher  institutions.  Does  that  not  sug- 
gest that  we  should  have  some  kind  of  schools  within  their 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  219 

reach  \Yhich  will  help  to  turn  their  lives  to  God  and  to- 
wards the  spread  of  His  kingdom?  While  not  relaxing- 
our  effort  in  behalf  of  the  institutions  which  we  now  have, 
we  should  begin  to  look  towards  placing  high  schools 
nearer  the  doors  of  those  who  can  never  possibly  get  to 
college."  This,  with  the  discussion  of  the  subject  by  Rev. 
H.  C.  ^loore.  Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson,  Rev.  A.  B.  Caudle  and 
Rev.  R.  H.  James,  culminated  in  the  adoption  later  in  the 
session  of  the  following  resolution: 

"Resolved,  That  Brethren  J.  W.  Bivens,  Rev.  H.  C. 
Moore,  O.  M.  Sanders,  M.  W.  Griffin,  J.  C.  Sikes,  G.  F. 
Parker  and  R.  F.  Beasley  be  appointed  a  board  of  trustees 
to  secure,  if  possible,  without  a  debt  on  the  Association, 
suitable  property  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association,  in  fee 
simple  to  them  and  their  successors,  and  to  establish  and 
control  an  academy  of  high  grade  for  the  education  of  the 
boys  and  girls  of  this  Association  and  the  surrounding 
country." 

The  board  of  trustees  named  in  this  resolution  met  at 
the  court  house,  in  the  office  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
October  29,  1895,  and  organized  by  electing  J-  W.  Bivens 
Chairman  and  R.  F.  Beasley  Secretary.  All  members  were 
present.  J-  W.  Bivens  and  O.  M.  Sanders  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  investigate  proposed  locations  for  the 
school,  and  report  to  the  Board  at  a  meeting  to  be  held 
November  15,  1895.  This  meeting  was  held  in  the  First 
Baptist  Church  of  Monroe  on  the  date  mentioned,  with 
full  Board  present.  The  committee  appointed  to  investi- 
gate locations  reported  that  the  Trustees  of  Union  Insti- 
tute had  generously  offered  to  turn  over  their  excellent 
property  to  the  Association  free  of  cost  for  proposed  High 


220  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

School  purposes ;  the  owners  of  Rock  Rest  Academy  had 
tendered  their  vahiable  property  on  similar  terms,  and  that 
G.  M.  Stewart  had  offered  to  donate  to  the  Association 
ten  acres  of  ground  near  3iIeadow  Branch  Church,  and  the 
citizens  of  that  community  had  agreed  to  erect  on  said  lot 
an  adequate  building  for  proposed  High  School  use.  After 
discussion  the  Board  decided  to  locate  the  school  at  ]\Iead- 
ow  Branch,  provided  conditions  afterward  to  be  described 
upon  were  complied  with.  Soon  afterward  a  lot  was  se- 
lected and  a  deed  conveying  it  to  the  Trustees  made  by 
Air.  Stewart.  Plans  for  a  five-room  building  were  sub- 
mitted, and  the  community  began  at  once  its  erection. 

First  Principal. 

The  next  important  and  difficult  task  that  confronted 
the  trustees  was  that  of  securing  a  competent  and  suit- 
able person  to  take  charge  of  the  school.  After  casting 
about  for  some  time  for  such  person  interest  centered  on 
a  young  man,  a  native  of  the  county,  and  then  a  member 
of  the  Senior  Class  at  \A"ake  Forest  College,  AL  B.  Dry, 
who  was  unanimously  elected  Principal.  He  received  his 
i\I.  A.  Degree  in  June,  1896,  and,  after  considerable  argu- 
ment in  favor  of  the  new  proposition,  a  Denominational 
High  School,  and  an  individual  responsibility  on  the  part 
of  the  trustees  for  the  payment  of  his  salary,  he  was  in- 
duced to  take  charge  of  the  work.  This  position  he  held 
for  twelve  consecutive  sessions,  during  which  time  the 
school  grew  into  prominence,  and  became  one  of  the  lead- 
ing high  schools  of  the  State,  which  facts  prove  that  the 
trustees  made  no  mistake  in  his  election. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  22L 

Name. 
The  name  of  the  church  at  this  place  was  "Meadow 
Fjranch,"  which  has  not  been  changed.  The  name  of  the 
railroad  station  at  that  time  was  "Ames'  Turnout,"'  and 
the  postoi^ice  "Ames.''  Xone  of  these  was  considered  by 
the  trustees  an  appropriate  name  for  the  school.  While 
they  were  considering  the  matter  Dr.  E.  W.  Sikes,  then 
professor  in  Wake  Forest  College,  appeared  on  the  scene 
and  was  asked  to  suggest  a  name  for  the  school,  and  he 
very  readily  suggested  that  of  "Wingate."  This  name  was 
adopted,  and  the  trustees  say  in  their  report  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  1896:  'Tn  honor  of  the  lamented  Dr.  W.  M. 
AA'ingate,  for  m.any  years  the  honored  President  of  Wake 
Forest  College."  Since  then,  however,  it  has  become  a 
question  with  some  of  us  as  to  whether  Dr.  Sikes,  while 
suggesting  the  name,  had  in  mind  the  honored  late  presi- 
dent of  the  college,  or  his  accomplished  and  attractive 
daughter,  Miss  Ruth,  who  soon  afterward  became  the 
bride  of  Dr.  Sikes.  At  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  J.  B.  Rich- 
ardson it  was  called  simply  "The  Wingate  School,"  instead 
of  "The  W'ingate  High  School."  Upon  petition  to  the 
proper  authorities  the  name  of  the  railroad  station  and  the 
postoffice  were  changed  to  that  of  the  school. 

Early  Struggles. 

The  Wingate  School  has  not  had  its  existence  without 
a  struggle.  It  has  encountered  many  difficulties,  had  many 
problems  to  solve  and  obstacles  to  overcome.  In  fact  its 
entire  life  of  twenty-three  years  has  been  one  continuous 
uphill  pull.  There  has  not  been  a  day  that  it  has  not  had 
some   load   to   carry — some   burden   to   bear.      There    have 


222  History  of  the  Browx  Creek 

been  times  when  its  most  loyal  and  optimistic  supporters 
could  not  help  feeling  that  its  very  life  was  hanging  in 
the  balance.  At  the  time  agreed  upon  for  the  opening  of 
the  first  session  in  August,  1896,  the  building  in  course  of 
erection  by  the  community  was  not  ready  for  occupancy, 
and  it  was  necessary  for  Prof.  Dry  to  open  his  "School  of 
High  Grade"  in  a  dilapidated  public  school  house,  formerly 
the  old  church  building,  and  conduct  it  there  for  several 
weeks.  When  the  new  building  was  ready  for  use  there 
was  need  of  everything  in  the  way  of  equipment  for  effi- 
cient work.  Desks,  piano,  library,  maps,  etc.,  were  all 
lacking.  There  was  no  money  in  the  treasury — no  public 
fund  to  draw  from.  By  act  of  the  Association  the  trus- 
tees were  not  permitted  to  encumber  the  school  property 
with  debt.  So  at  every  session  of  the  Association,  in  the 
early  years  of  the  school,  earnest  appeals  were  made  for 
financial  aid,  which  usually  met  with  fairly  liberal  response. 
Its  main  support,  however,  was  from  public  patronage, 
and  the  field  for  this  was  not  to  it  alone.  From  the  be- 
ginning there  was  sharp  and  active  competition  from  other 
high  schools  of  the  county.  It  also  had  its  opponents  and 
critics.  Worst  of  all,  many  of  these  were  from  our  own 
Baptist  ranks,  and  as  Paul  said  of  Alexander  the  Copper- 
smith, "Did  us  much  evil."  But  the  school,  whose  foun- 
dations were  laid  on  the  earnest  prayers  of  its  founders, 
had  a  mission  to  fulfill,  and  each  obstacle  overcome  added 
impetus  to  the  work. 

Rapid   Growth. 

At  the  opening  of  the  first  session  there  was  a  good 
local  patronage,  but  only  one  boarding  student  present  to 


Union  Baptist  Association.  223 

■enter,  'Sir.  J.  C.  Sikes,  now  a  prominent  attorney  of  Mon- 
roe, X.  C,  and  ]\Iayor  of  the  city.  Prof.  Dry  had  but  one 
assistant  teacher.  Aliss  [MolHe  Scoggin,  of  Reidsville,  X.  C. 

From  this  small  beginning  the  growth  of  the  school 
was  marvelous,  and  before  the  close  of  the  session  there 
were  thirty  or  forty  boarding  students  present.  In  less 
than  four  years  the  first  building  was  found  to  be  alto- 
gether inadequate,  and  an  addition  containing  five  rooms 
for  recitation,  music  and  society  halls  was  made  to  it.  This 
was  completed  in  1900  at  a  cost  of  about  six  hundred  dol- 
lars. 

As  a  safeguard  to  the  immediate  surroundings  of  the 
institution  an  additional  parcel  of  land  containing  twenty- 
six  acres  was  purchased  from  yir.  G.  M.  Stewart  in  1898 
at  eight  dollars  per  acre.  This  surrounds  the  lot  of  ten 
acres  donated  by  him  and  on  which  the  buildings  are  lo- 
cated. 

The  patronage  of  the  school  continued  to  increase  until 
1904,  when  the  enrollment  reached  two  hundred  and  nine- 
ty-two, representing  sixteen  counties  in  this  State  and 
South  Carolina.  About  this  time  competition  from  the 
State  Schools  began  to  have  its  effect,  and  for  the  next 
few  years  the  attendance  was  not  quite  so  large.  At  the 
close  of  the  session  of  1907-8  Prof.  Dry,  having  served 
twelve  years  as  Principal,  resigned  to  accept  work  in  an- 
other part  of  the  State.  He  was  succeeded  by  Messrs.  B. 
Y.  Tyner  and  J-  G.  Carroll,  recent  graduates  of  Wake 
Forest  College.  The  school  continued  to  flourish  under 
their  management,  and  it  was  soon  evident  that  a  new  and 
itp-to-date  buildling  was  its  greatest  need.  This  was  rec- 
ommended by  the  trustees  in  their  report  to  the  Associa- 


224  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

tion  at  Marshville  in  1909,  but  no  action  was  taken.  The 
trustees,  howevei;,  in  session  at  Wingate,  January  11,  1910, 
on  motion  of  A.  C.  Davis,  decided  to  undertake  the  erec- 
tion of  a  new  brick  building,  and  T.  E.  WiUiams,  B.  Y. 
Tyner  and  J.  A\\  Bivens  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
secure  plans  for  the  same.  Later  G.  E.  Lineberry  was 
employed  to  solicit  contributions,  plans  for  the  new  build- 
ing, drawn  by  J.  ^[.  Alc^ilichael  of  Charlotte,  adopted,  and 
the  contract  let  to  J.  C.  Gordon  of  Waxhaw.  About  July 
1  one  car  of  brick  was  received  and  the  contractor  on  the 
grounds,  but  owing  to  scarcity  of  funds  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer  and  unfavorable  conditions  for  building  at  that 
time,  by  mutual  consent  the  contract  was  cancelled,  and 
the  undertaking  came  to  an  end. 

But  the  trustees,  unwilling  that  this  should  be  final, 
made  the  following  appeal  in  their  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion at  Alt.  Harmony  in  October  of  the  same  year : 

"In  order  for  the  school  to  fulfill  its  greatest  mission, 
it  is  badly  in  need  of  an  up-to-date  school  building,  mod- 
ernly  equipped,  and  dormitories  for  both  boys  and  girls. 
The  imperative  need  being  the  speedy  erection  of  a  school 
building.  And  knowing  and  feeling  the  needs  as  we  do, 
we  recommend  that  the  Association  make  provisions  at 
this  session  for  the  erection  of  a  school  building-  that  will 
meet  the  needs  of  the  school.  The  Association  can  safely 
count  on  $6,000  from  Wingate  and  community  in  the  build- 
ing of  a  structure  to  cost  $12,000." 

But  on  account  of  the  increase  in  State  Schools  and 
the  inducements  held  out  by  them  for  patronage,  some  of 
the  brethren  were  becoming  a  little  apprehensive  as  to  the 
ability  of  the  Wingate   School  to  stand  the  pressure  and 


Union  Baptist  Association.  225 

maintain  its  existence  as  a  denominational  institution,  and 
were  somewhat  slow  to  take  hold  of  the  proposition.  But 
after  discussion  of  the  subject  by  G.  E.  Lineberry,  D.  M. 
Austin,  Braxton  Craig,  A.  C.  Davis  and  R.  H.  James,  the 
following  resolutions  offered  by  Rev.  D.  AI.  Austin  were 
unanimously  adopted : 

"Whereas,  We  believe  there  is  urgent  need  for  an  ad- 
vance movement  in  our  educational  work  ;    therefore  be  it 

"Resolved,  1.  That  we  express  our  appreciation  of  the 
work  that  has  been  and  that  is  being  done  by  our  school  at 
Wingate,  and  heartily  commend  the  loyal  service  of  the 
trustees  of  this  school. 

"Resolved,  2.  That  we  pledge  to  them  our  loyal  sup- 
port in  erecting  suitable  buildings  for  same. 

"Resolved,  3.  That  we  authorize  the  trustees  to  secure 
with  the  school  property  any  necessary  debt  incurred  in 
making  improvements  on  same. 

"Resolved,  4.  That  we  require  our  trustees  to  keep  an 
accurate  list  of  names  and  amounts  of  all  contributions  for 
said  improvement,  and  if,  in  twenty-five  years,  we  should 
sell  or  dispose  of  this  property,  to  be  used  for  any  other 
purpose  than  a  Baptist  school,  each  contributor  shall  re- 
ceive his  pro  rata  apportionment  of  same. 

"Resolved,  5.  That  we  request  our  trustees  to  invite 
sister  associations  conveniently  located  to  unite  with  us  in 
this  work,  making  such  a  division  of  trustees  and  other 
matters  as  they  deem  wise." 

Acting  in  accordance  with  and  upon  the  authority  of 
these  resolutions,  the  trustees,  in  session  January  6,  1911, 
decided  to  proceed  with  the  work  and  the  following  brethren 
were  appointed  a  building  committee:  W.  W.  Perry,  W.  P. 

15 


226  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Griffin,  T.  E.  Williams,  F.  M.  Sutton,  J.  C.  Sikes.  How  well 
this  committee  did  its  work  is  proven  by  the  fact  that  the 
first  brick  was  laid  April  25th  and  the  building  completed 
and  school  moved  on  November  13th  following.  A  great 
occasion  in  the  erection  of  the  building  and  in  the  history  of 
AA'ingate  was  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  by  the  Masonic 
Order.  Hon.  W.  W.  Kitchen,  then  Governor  of  the  State, 
had  been  invited  to  deliver  an  address,  and  the  largest 
crowd  ever  at  Wingate  assembled  to  hear  him.  A  table 
three  hundred  feet  long  had  been  prepared  and  a  picnic 
dinner  was  served  by  the  communit3^ 

The  building  is  a  handsome  structure,  commodious  and 
conveniently  arranged,  and  well  adapted  to  the  needs  of 
the  school. 

Principals. 

The  school  has  been  exceedingly  fortunate  in  the  class 
of  men  and  women  who  have  done  the  work.  M.  B.  Dry, 
now  Principal  of  the  leading  Farm-life  School  in  the  State, 
Gary,  N.  C,  served  as  Principal  for  twelve  years ;  B.  Y. 
Tyner,  now  occupying  Educational  Department  of  the 
State  Normal,  Fredericksburg,  Ya.,  served  three  years  as 
Principal,  with  J.  G.  Carroll  associate.  Mr.  Carroll,  now 
filling  chair  of  Physics,  Guilford  College,  N.  C,  then 
served  seven  years  individually. 

These  are  all  men  of  the  highest  type  of  Christian  man- 
hood. Scholarly,  capable,  efficient,  thoroughly  in  love  with 
their  work,  they  have  attained  a  high  degree  of  success  in 
their  profession. 

Miss  Pattie  ]\'Iarks,  of  Albemarle,  N.  C,  graduate  of 
Meredity  College,  and  a  lady  of  fine  Christian  character, 
took  charge  of  the  work  a  year  ago,  and  is  now  Principal. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  227 

On  account  of  war  conditions  and  an  epidemic  of  influenza 
she  has  served  under  trying-  circumstances,  but  has  proved 
herself  equal  to  the  task,  and  conducted  the  school  with 
remarkable  success. 

Assistant  Principals. 

Among  those  who  have  served  as  assistant  principals 
are  Rev.  J.  S.  Snyder,  pastor  of  First  Baptist  Church, 
Fayetteville,  N.  C. ;  Dr.  C.  Louis  Fowler;  Jesse  A.  Wil- 
liams, cashier  Waxhaw  Banking  &  Trust  Co.,  Waxhaw,  N. 
C. ;  W.  C.  Bivens,  editor  of  "The  Ansonian,"  and  Super- 
intendent of  Schools  for  Anson  County,  Wadesboro,  N.  C. ; 
T.  B.  Ashcraft,  Mathematics,  Colby  University,  Waterville, 
Me. ;  G.  C.  Buck,  Expeditionary  Forces,  France ;  D.  M. 
Johnson,  attorney,  Enfield,  N.  C. ;  H.  J.  Langston,  Y.  M. 
C.  A.  Secretary,  Richmond,  Va.,  and  Miss  Rosa  Blakeney, 
Shelby  High  School,  Shelby,  N.  C.  These  and  many  oth- 
ers who  taught  in  the  school  did  much  toward  making  it 
what  it  has  been,  and  creating  for  it  a  prominent  place 
among  the  High  Schools  of  the  State  on  account  of  the 
efficiency  and  thoroughness  of  the  work  done. 

Trustees. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association  at  Olive  Branch,  in 
October,  1896,  the  number  of  trustees  was  increased  to 
fifteen,  and  the  following  brethren  elected :  F.  M.  Sutton, 
G.  W.  Simpson,  B.  F.  Parker,  J.  B.  Alangum,  R.  H.  James, 
R.  F.  Beasley,  Jonathan  Gordon,  J.  J.  Godfrey,  J.  L.  Ben- 
nett, T.  E.  Williams,  O.  M.  Sanders,  D.  A.  Covington,  J. 
C.  Sikes,  J.  A.  Bivens  and  J.  W.  Bivens.  Of  these  the 
first  five  mentioned  were  to   serve  two  years,   the  second 


228  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

five  four  years,  and  the  remaining  five  six  years ;  the  h\V. 
term  of  office  of  ah  trustees  subsequently  elected  to  be 
six  years.  At  the  next  session  of  the  General  Assembly 
a  charter  was  obtained  for  the  school,  securing  to  it  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  usually  accorded  High  Schools 
and  Colleges,  and  prohibiting  the  sale  of  intoxicants  within 
three  miles  of  the  institution.  This  charter  was  published 
in  full  in  the  minutes  of  the  Association  of  1897. 

By  act  of  the  Legislature  of  1911  this  charter  was  so 
amended  as  to  give  other  Associations  an  interest  in  the 
property  and  representation  on  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Un- 
der this  provision  the  following  were  elected  by  their  As- 
sociations, viz:  Anson,  A.  D.  Griffin,  S.  J.  Turner  and  R. 
L  Hardison ;  Pee  Dee,  D.  A.  Liles,  H.  C.  Dockerv  and 
Archibald  ]\IcXeil ;  ^lecklenburg  and  Cabarrus,  D.  M. 
Austin,  L.  R.  Pruette  and  T.  D.  ^laness.  Of  the  fifteen 
appointed  by  the  Union  Association  five  have  gone  to  their 
reward,  four  resigned,  and  six  are  still  members  of  the 
Board.  The  other  members  are  G.  W.  Stewart,  J.  C.  Sikes, 
W.  P.  Griffin,  T.  E.  Sustar,  I.  A.  Clontz,  A.  C.  Davis.  W. 
M.  Perry,  E.  C.  Snyder,  W.  A.  Chaney  and  W.  B.  Wil- 
liams. The  trustees  have  always  been  loyal  friends  to  the 
school,  and  those  upon  whose  shoulders  the  burden  of  man- 
agement has  rested  most  heavily  have  spared  neither  time 
nor  expense  in  looking  after  its  best  interest. 

Present  Pl.vnt. 

The  present  property  consists  of  about  twenty  acres  of 
land,  the  new  school  building  with  its  equipment,  a  new 
handsome  brick  dormitory  for  girls,  erected  last  year  by 
the  generositv  of  ]\Ir.  G.  M.  Stewart,  and  a  dormitory  for 


Union  Baptist  Association.  229 

boys  now  in  course  of  erection.  When  this  is  completed 
the  entire  property  will  be  worth  at  least  forty  thousand 
dollars. 

Finished  Product. 

Has  the  Wingate  School  paid?  Was  it  wisdom  on  the 
part  of  those  who  conceived  the  idea  of  its  establishment, 
and  those  who  have  given  their  time  and  money  to  build 
and  maintain  it?     Was  it  a  good  investment? 

Twenty-three  years  have  passed  since  it  began  work. 
During  these  years  hundreds  of  young  men  and  young 
women  have  been  its  students — have  received  the  training 
that  it  had  to  give,  and  gone  out  to  fight  the  battles  of  life 
equipped  as  they  never  could  have  been  had  it  not  been 
for  this  school.  In  the  home,  on  the  farm,  in  business  cir- 
cles, in  church  and  Sunday  School  work,  they  are  promi- 
nent and  influential,  and  doing  much  toward  making  the 
world  better  and  bringing  about  the  coming  of  the  King- 
dom. In  this  school  many  have  had  an  ambition  kindled 
for  higher  education,  and  have  gone  on  through  college 
and  are  today  filling  high  positions  in  almost  every  vocation 
of  life.  Those  who  have  labored  in  the  school  room  and 
those  who  have  toiled  and  sacrificed  for  its  support  can- 
not but  feel  a  just  pride  in  the  success  of  the  "finished 
product,"  and  that  every  dollar  invested  in  the  W^ingate 
School  has  been  well  spent.  Yes,  it  has  already  paid,  and 
let  us  hope  that  its  work  has  just  begun. 


230  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

CHAPTER  XL 

Old  Lanes  Creek  Baptist  Church. 

Lanes  Creek  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  1793.  It 
was  locah}'  called  "Lewellyn's  Church."  We  do  not  know 
why  this  was  unless  it  was  because  Elder  Jesse  Lewellyn 
did  the  first  preaching  here,  and  remained  pastor  for  many 
years,  possibly  all  the  life  of  the  church  while  it  continued 
missionary.  The  church  was  located  near  the  old  Lee  tan- 
yard  place,  a  few  miles  north  of  Pageland,  S.  C.  The 
church  w^as  in  the  lower  part  of  Union  County,  N.  C.  The 
land  was  donated  to  the  church  by  one  William  Shepherd. 
Elder  Lewellyn  had  a  tract  that  he  purchased  from  the 
same  William  Shepherd,  and  since  the  deeds  were  made 
about  the  same  time,  we  think  that  Lewellyn  organized  the 
church.  It  was  originally  a  member  of  the  Charleston  As- 
sociation, and  from  all  we  can  learn  was  an  arm  of  the 
Old  Welsh  Neck  Church  of  Society  Hill,  S.  C.  At  one 
time  it  was  very  strong  for  its  day,  but  times  changed,  and 
the  people  changed  with  the  times,  so  the  old  church  finally 
drifted  into  oblivion.  In  1815  it  joined  the  JMoriah  Asso- 
ciation. It  was  one  of  the  churches  to  form  this  Association. 
Aleadow  Branch,  Richardson  Creek,  Lanes  Creek  and  Gourd- 
vine  were  the  only  churches  on  the  North  Carolina  side  of 
the  line.  In  1834,  when  the  Moriah  met  with  Old  Waxhaw 
Church,  this  church  was  still  a  member  of  this  Association. 
Elder  Jesse  Lewellyn  was  still  pastor  of  it,  and  was  in 
attendance  at  this  session  of  the  Association.    T.  L.  Marsh 


Union  Baptist  Association.  231 

and  A\'.  Shepherd  were  the  delegates  with  their  pastor.  This 
word  appears  in  the  minutes  of  this  session:  "We  have 
great  reasons  to  be  thankful  to  God  for  his  blessings  to 
us.  We  have  peace  among  ourselves,  and  we  hope  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Xine  have 
been  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  during  the 
year." 

Some  time  between  1834  and  1846  this  church  went  to 
the  Hardshells.  Wq  tind  that  it  had  a  delegation  present 
at  the  1846  session  of  the  Bear  Creek  Association,  and  that 
T.  L.  ]\Iarsh,  who  was  a  prominent  member  of  this  church, 
was  elected  clerk  of  that  Association.  He  prepared  the 
minutes  for  the  session  of  that  year.  It  is  a  nice  piece  of 
work.  Those  who  knew  him  say  that  he  always  did  his 
work  well.  The  church  in  1834  had  99  members,  but  in 
1846  it  had  only  21.  We  think  that  several  churches  were 
organized  out  of  this  one.  We  know  that  Blount  Olive 
was,  and  possibly  many  of  the  members  went  to  Aleadow 
Branch  and  other  Missionary  Baptist  churches  around  it, 
so  that  it  was  almost  put  out  of  business.  It  never  rallied 
from  this  shock,  but  drifted  on  and  on  until  it  died,  about 
the  year  of  1865.  It  was  still  living  in  1862,  but  did  not 
have  but  thirteen  members.  It  does  not  appear  in  the  min- 
utes of  1866.  We  do  not  have  the  minutes  of  the  Bear 
Creek  between  1862  and  1866.  It  died  during  this  time. 
The  antimissionary  spirit  will  kill  almost  anything  that 
wants  to  grow. 

IMeadow  Branch^   1810. 
Meadow  Branch  is  the  oldest  church  in  the  Union  As- 
sociation.    We  do  not  know  who  did  the  first  preaching 


232  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

in  this  section,  but  from  what  we  can  gather  it  must  have 
been  Elders  John  Bennett  and  Joseph  Wilhams.  Elder 
Jacob  Lewellyn  may  have  preached  some  here,  or  near 
here,  since  he  was  pastor  of  Old  Lanes  Creek  Church,  just 
a  few  miles  below  here.  Elders  Bennett  and  ^\'illiams  are 
the  first  mentioned,  and  must  have  been  the  pioneer  preach- 
ers of  this  community.  Lanes  Creek  was  organized  in 
1793,  but  did  not  continue  many  years.  The  members  con- 
stituting ]\Ieadow  Branch  came  from  Gourdvine,  near 
Olive  Branch,  now  extinct,  and  Richardson's  Creek,  which 
was  near  the  John  Ervin  Chaney  place,  now  extinct,  and 
possibly  a  few  from  Lanes  Creek.  But,  from  what  we  can 
gather,  it  is  a  granddaughter  of  Old  Rocky  River  Church, 
in  Anson  County,  and  Old  Rocky  River  is  a  granddaughter 
of  Sandy  Creek.  This  makes  ^Meadow  Branch  a  great 
granddaughter  of  Sandy  Creek,  which  was  organized  by 
Elder  Shubael  Stearnes. 

The  first  house  stood  near  the  Headley  place,  on  the  old 
Concord-Camden  road,  about  a  mile  north  of  Wingate.  A 
small  graveyard  to  the  left  of  the  road  as  you  go  from 
^^^ingate  marks  the  spot.  The  church  house  stood  to  the 
right  of  the  graveyard,  they  say.  The  old  house  was  built 
of  logs,  as  most  of  the  houses  were  in  that  day.  This 
house  was  blown  down  in  1835.  When  the  church  decided 
to  rebuild  they  moved  the  location  of  the  house  about  one 
mile  south,  near  the  place  where  the  present  church  house 
stands.  There  was  not  any  railroad  here  then,  and  when 
the  first  survey  was  made  it  hit  the  church  house,  so  it 
had  to  be  moved.  This  they  did.  It  was  moved  just  a  little 
farther  south,  just  a  few  steps.  It  soon  went  out  of  use, 
and  another  was  erected  just  above  the  old  site.     It  was  a 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association,  233 

splendid  house  for  that  day,  but  it  is  entirely  out  of  date 
now,  and  it  is  to  be  much  regretted  that  the  brethren  have 
not  been  aroused  over  the  situation  so  that  a  much  more 
commodious   one   can   be   erected.      The   railroad   runs    too 
near  this   one,   and  with  the  heavy  traffic   over  this   road, 
like  they  have  it  today,  makes  it  very  annoying  indeed  to  a 
congregation  when  it  is  trying  to  hear  a  sermon.     Elders 
John  Bennett 'and  Joseph  ^^'illiams  were  the  first  pastors 
of   Aleadow    Branch.      The   old   records   are   lost,    and   we 
have  to  take  tradition  for  some  of  this,  but  we  are  pretty 
sure  the  above   statement  is  true.     Joseph  AMlliams  lived 
near  here,  and  it  is  more  than  likely  that  he  served  the 
church   for   several   years.       Preachers   were   so   scarce   in 
those  days  that  they   did   not  exchange   them   so   often   as 
they  now  do.     There  is  nothing  mentioned  about  what  took 
place   during  the   first   twenty   years ;     that   is,    during   the 
pastorate  of  the  first  preachers  mentioned,  but  about  the 
year  of  1827  a  little  dispute  began  to  arise  over  the  mission 
question.     So  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  learn  there  was 
no  trouble  over  this  until  aboiit  this  time,  and  would  not 
have  been  then  had   it  not  been   for   outsiders   coming  in 
from  the  north  to  prejudice  the  people  against  certain  men. 
Dr.  Sikes  in  his  address  there  Centennial  day  said :    "The 
annals  of  the  church  are  brief  for  twenty  years.     About 
1827   there   began   to   grow   up    a   dispute   in    the    Baptist 
churches  about  the  method  of  spreading  the  gospel.     Divi- 
sion? took  place  in  various   sections  of  the   State,   in  both 
associations    and    churches.      In    1830    the    issue    reached 
^leadow   Branch.      Feeling  ran   high   on   the   subject.       It 
seemed  that  it  would  tear  the  church  asunder.     The  two 
factions  were  about  equally  divided.     They  tried  to  com- 


234 


History  op  the  Brown  Creek 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  235 

promise,  but  failed.  In  1834  the  church  called  Elder  W. 
T..  Brasington  to  be  its  pastor.  He  refused  to  come  to- 
a  church  so  divided.  In  1835  they -decided  to  divide,  and 
called  for  the  aid  of  Elders  Jacob  Helms,  Jacob  Lewell}^ 
and  Solomon  ]\Iarsh.  They  refused  to  aid  in  the  division, 
and  urged  them  to  get  together  and  live  in  peace.  The 
church  then  set  apart  a  day  for  fasting  and  prayer,  that 
they  might  have  divine  guidance  in  settling  their  dispute. 
But  nothing  availed.  Then  they  decided  to  divide  and  let 
the  majority  hold  the  house  of  worship.  The  anti-mission- 
aries were  outvoted,  and  so  lost  the  house  of  worship. 
They  withdrew  and  began  to  worship  at  Griffith's  school- 
house." 

After  this  dispute  was  settled  the  church  took  on  new 
life.  She  had  fewer  members,  but  she  had  unity,  which  is 
much  better.  The  ]\Ioriah  Association,  of  which  it  was  a 
member,  delegated  Elders  Joel  Gullege,  Mason  and  W.  T. 
Brasington  to  reorganize  the  church  and  prepare  rules  of 
decorum.  They  performed  their  duty,  and  when  the  church 
was  at  herself  once  more  she  called  Elder  Joel  Gullege  for 
her  pastor,  at  a  salary  of  twenty-five  dollars  a  year.  He 
lived  in  the  White's  Store  community,  and  is  said  to  have 
been  a  godly  man  who  served  his  churches  faithfully. 

In  1838  Aleadow  Branch  called  the  strong,  vigorous- 
and  wide-awake  Elder  John  Culpepper,  Sr.,  for  her  pas- 
tor. He  was  the  most  progressive  man  of  his  day.  (See 
biographical  sketch  in  this  book.)  He  lived  in  Montgom- 
ery County  at  this  time.  The  location  is  now  in  Stanly- 
County,  since  that  county  was  formed  out  of  Montgom- 
ery. His  home  was  not  very  far  from  Rocky  River  Church 
in   Anson   County.      He   lived   on   the   Stanly   side   of   the 


236  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

river.  Culpepper  was  in  touch  with  the  progressive  spirit 
of  the  age,  and  was  the  personal  friend  of  Dr.  Wait,  the 
founder  of  Wake  Forest  College,  and  Thomas  [Meredith, 
founder  of  the  Biblical  Recorder.  Culpepper  served 
three  terms  in  Congress,  and  was  a  charter  member  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  Wake  Forest  Institute,  now  \\"ake 
Forest  College.  He  served  Old  Rocky  River  for  forty 
years,  but  remained  at  ^Meadow  Branch  but  two  years, 
1838-1840. 

The  next  pastor  of  Aleadow  Branch  was  Elder  William 
A.  Morris  of  Anson  County.  He  served  two  years,  1840- 
1842.  Under  his  ministry  we  find  the  first  record  of  a 
contribution  to  State  Missions.  He  must  have  been  a 
progressive  man,  too.  The  next  pastor  was  Dr.  J.  F.  Lee. 
He  came  from  New  York  through  A^irginia  to  Xorth  Car- 
olina. He  was  well  educated,  and  was  an  entertaining 
preacher.  Great  crowds  attended  his  services.  At  one 
time  he  was  clerk  of  the  Moriah  Association,  but  because 
of  some  peculiar  ideas  he  had  concerning  some  doctrinal 
points  he  was  not  a  very  popular  preacher.  They  did  not 
preach  just  any  kind  of  doctrine  at  that  time,  but  had  to 
stand  the  test  of  orthodoxy.  They  would  excommunicate 
one  for  unsoundness  quicker  than  for  anything  else.  He 
had  to  be  sound  in  the  faith.  Oh,  that  it  were  this  way 
now.  Dr.  Lee  did  not  remain  pastor  here  very  long,  but 
lived  in  this  county  for  many  years,  afterwards  as  a  re- 
spected physician. 

The  next  pastor  was  Elder  E.  C.  Williams.  He  grew 
up  in  this  church,  and  had  acted  as  clerk  for  many  years. 
His  work  in  this  line  was  exceedingly  well  done.  He  was 
pastor  for  nine  years,   1845-1855.     The  records  show  that 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  237 

the  church  was  active  in  its  support  of  State  and  Foreign 
]\Iissions  during  Elder  WiUiams'  ministry.  The  church 
was  greatlv  enlarged  during  his  pastorate.  Xew  members 
came  with  letters  from  Rocky  River  and  Brown  Creek, 
and  other  churches.  The  Bentons  came  from  Rocky  River 
and  the  Griffins  came  from  Brown  Creek. 

In  1845  the  first  Sunday  School  work  was  started  at 
]\Ieadow  Branch.  They  did  not  have  Sunday  School  lit- 
erature then  as  they  do  now.  They  knew  something  ought 
to  be  done  to  keep  the  children  employed  in  the  proper 
manner  on  Sundays.  They  did  not  wait  until  suitable  lit- 
erature was  gotten  out,  but  had  the  children  to  carry  their 
spelling  books  and  the  older  ones  their  Bibles.  ]\len,  wo- 
men and  children  attended.  They  spent  the  day  together, 
going  home  late  in  the  afternoon.  Brother  W.  J.  T. 
Maske  was  the  first  superintendent ;  after  him  came 
Brethren  C.  Austin  and  John  C.  Williams.  Later  on 
Brethren  X.  W.  Bivens,  E.  W.  Griffin  and  Prof.  Marcus 
B.  Dry  served.  Bro.  J-  W.  Bivens  has  served  for  the  past 
twenty  years  or  more.  He  is  one  of  the  finest  we  have 
ever  seen.  For  the  past  years  he  has  been  unwell,  and 
could  not  attend  very  much,  but  the  church  will  not  hear 
to  his  giving  up,  though  he  cannot  be  there.  No  man  was 
ever  more  greatly  loved  as  Sunday  School  Superintendent 
than  J.  W.  Bivens.  His  work  in  this  capacity  has  been 
a  great  help  to  the  present  pastor. 

In  1855,  when  the  first  house  was  built  near  the  pres- 
ent site.  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  was  called  to  serve  as  pastor, 
which  call  he  accepted.  This  position  he  held  for  thirty- 
six  years  as  active,  and  four  or  more  years  with  a  supply 
because   of   his   advanced   age.      Elders   J.    A.    Bivens    and 


238  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson  assisted  him.  \A'ith  Elder  Davis' 
pastorate  a  season  of  revivals  began.  He  was  a  great 
preacher,  and  a  great  evangelist.  He  held  a  meeting  at 
Meadow  Branch  in  1857  that  resulted  in  forty-five  candi- 
dates for  baptism.  His  labors  here  will  never  be  forgot- 
ten. Everybody  loved  and  respected  him.  They  esteemed 
him  as  a  father,  and  to  show  this  they  called  him  "Uncle 
Edmund." 

Since  his  day  many  pastors  have  served.  After  him 
came  Dr.  J-  B.  Richardson,  Thomas  Carrick,  G.  O.  Wil- 
Tioit,  Estrige,  Baxter  S.  Funderburk,  D.  M.  Austin,  S,  N. 
AVatson  and  the  present  pastor,  C.  J.  Black.  With  the 
ministry  of  S.  N.  Watson,  Meadow  Branch  began  a  new 
era.  Divisions  began  to  arise,  and  for  a  time  it  looked 
as  if  things  were  going  to  the  bad,  but  the  church  got 
things  somewhat  together  and  called  Rev.  D.  'SI.  Austin 
to  supply  until  they  could  get  a  permanent  pastor.  Austin 
served  one  year ;  at  the  expiration  of  this  time  they  called 
C.  J.  Black,  who  at  this  time  was  pastor  at  Albemarle, 
and  some  churches  around  there.  He  took  charge  No- 
vember, 1914.  The  church  has  done  very  well  since  his 
pastorate  began,  but  not  what  it  might  have  done.  There 
are  too  many  factions  and  too  many  trivial  things  in  a 
man's  way  to  accomplish  what  ought  to  be  done  here.  We 
liope  that  things  may  soon  take  a  turn  for  the  better  here, 
and  that  this  old  church  may  become  what  she  ought  to, 
one  of  the  leading  churches  in  the  State.  She  has  a  splen- 
did citizenship  to  support  her,  and  a  people  pretty  well 
educated  to  carry  on  her  Sunday  School,  and  all  the  agen- 
cies of  the  kingdom.  I  suppose  this  church  has  about  as 
many  college  men  and  women  in  it  as  any  country  church 


Union  Baptist  Association.  239 

in  this  State.  May  she  broaden  her  horizon,  have  a  new 
vision,  and  get  to  work  in  dead  earnest  during  these  latter 
days. 

Her  present  officers  are  the  fohowing:  C.  J.  Black, 
pastor ;  W.  V.  Williams,  Clerk ;  J.  W.  Bivens,  Sunday 
School  Superintendent;  J-  B.  Outen  and  J.  A.  Bivens, 
assistants;  J.  W.  Bivens,  J-  H.  Williams,  W^  M.  Perry, 
J.  C.  Mclntyre,  J.  K.  Bivens,  T.  E.  AVilliams,  E.  W.  Grif- 
fin and  M.  W.  Griffin  and  J.  G.  Carroll  are  the  deacons. 

Mount 'Olive  Missionary  Baptist  Church  was  constitu- 
ted the  27th  day  of  April,  1833,  by  the  Revs.  Jessie  Lewel- 
lyn,  Joel  Gullege  and  James  Thomas,  with  21  members. 
all  of  whom  were  former  members  of  Lanes  Creek 
Church. 

Elder  Jessie  Lewellen  was  the  first  pastor  of  the  church, 
followed  by  the  following  pastors  in  the  order  named : 
Revs.  W.  T.  Brasington,  J.  F.  Lee,  J.  T.  Copeland,  W.  F. 
Brasington,  Solomon  Snider,  E.  Morton,  W.  F.  Bransing- 
ton,  E.  Morton,  A.  L.  Stough,  E.  L.  Davis,  E.  Morton,  S 
J.  Fincher,  E.  !>.  Davis,  G.  W.  Harmon,  Jesse  Wheeler,  J 
A.  Bivins,  G.  O.  Wilhart,  C.  H.  Martin,  T.  S.  Wright,  '] 
A.  Bivins,  Joel  S.  Snider,  W.  H.  Whitehead,  C.  L.  Fowler 
A.  C.  Davis,  A.  C.  Baker,  C.  W.  Martin,  M.  D.  L.  Preston 

C.  H.  Martin,  J.  P.  Hanis,  D.  A.  Brown,  Sam  Long,  D.  A 
Brown  and  the  present  pastor,  W.  A.  Elam. 

Darling  Rushing  was  the  first  clerk  of  the  church,  and 
the  following  in  order  named  have  served  since  then;    R. 

D.  Rushing,  O.  T.  Collins,  D.  T.  Redfearn,  W.  D.  Gullege, 
C.  H.  Rivers,  J.  T.  Collins,  W.  D.  C.  Gathings,  E.-E.  Mc- 
Rae,  B.  A.  Rushing,  J.  W.  Collins,  C.  E.  Rushing  and  E.  E. 
McRae. 


240  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Wilson  Chambers  was  the  first  deacon,  he  being-  ah-eady 
ordained  when  the  church  was  organized.  W.  W.  Also- 
brooks  was  the  first  deacon  elected  by  the  church  and  D. 
Rushing"  the  second.  These  three  served  until  1860,  when 
O.  T.  Collins,  T.  Redfearn  and  R.  D.  Rushing  were  or- 
dained deacons. 

The  church  belonged  to  the  Moriah  Association,  which 
from  the  minutes  seemed  to  be  composed  mostly  of  churches 
in  South  Carolina  until  November,  1854,  when  the  Brown 
Creek  Association  was  organized. 

July  19,  1851,  32  members  of  this  church  were  given 
letters  of  dismission  to  organize  a  church  at  Faulks. 

The  present  house  of  w^orship  is  the  third  one  erected 
on  the  same  plot  of  gTound,  and  was  dedicated  in  February, 
1860,  by  Elders  A.  L.  Stough,  E.  L.  Davis,  J.  T.  ^IcLure 
and  E.  C.  Morton. 

A  PARTiAii  History  of  Waxhaw  Church. 

About  the  year  1820  or  1825  there  was  no  church  in 
this  community  except  a  little  church  that  was  then  called 
Secedar,  in  three-fourths  of  a  mile  of  the  place  where  Wax- 
haw  Church  now  stands.  This  "Secedar"  church  was  com- 
posed of  the  Billues  and  ]\IcW4iorters.  The  church  house 
got  burned  and  the  church  went  down.  About  the  same 
time  the  Godfrevs  came  from  Xew  Hampshire  and  settled 
in  this  community,  they  being  ^Methodists,  but  there  was 
no  church  of  any  faith  for  them  to  join  wath.  During  these 
days  of  spiritual  darkness  John  C.  Godfrey  went  down  into 
South  Carolina  and  found  a  young  lady  by  the  name  of 
Owen,  wdiom  he  married.  This  young  lady  had  a  young 
brother,  W.  C.  Owen,  who  was  a  Baptist  preacher.     This 


Union  Baptist  Association.  241 

young  preacher,  then  being  connected  with  the  Godfreys, 
would  visit  them  and  preach  in  the  community  occasionally, 
and  the  Godfreys  and  Billues  became  interested  in  the  work 
and  got  Joseph  Copeland,  who  lived  in  South  Carolina,  to 
come  and  help  W.  C.  Owen  to  preach,  and  a  Baptist  church 
was  organized  about  the  year  1830.  J.  T.  Copeland  was 
the  first  pastor.  The  members  were  the  Godfreys  and  Bil- 
lues. Steven  Billue  and  his  son  Thomas  were  the  first 
deacons. 

The  church  then  joined  the  ]\Ioriah  Assoication.  The 
next  pastor  was  Phillip  Hammond,  of  South  Carolina. 

The  year  1840  M.  N.  Strickland  was  pastor,  assisted  by 
W.  C.  Owen.  The  deacons  were  Henry  Godfrey,  Hugh 
McCommon,  Elias  Caraway,  W.  C.  Owen,  church  clerk, 
Sunday  School  Superintendent  J.  D,  Hooker.  Male  mem- 
bers Burwell  Clark,  James  Godfrey.  Charles  Adams,  George 
Brigman,  David  Owen,  George  Smith,  John  P.  Hooker, 
Jackson  Kee.  Rev.  Nolen,  \V.  F.  Brasington  and  Thomas 
preached  some  for  the  church  in  the  year  1842.  G.  W. 
Sanders  was  received  by  letter  from  Alabama.  In  1843  W. 
C.  Owen  was  ordained  by  recjuest  of  Sardis  Church.  From 
what  w^e  have  learned  Strickland  and  Owen  served  the 
church  as  pastors  until  the  year  1852.  The  church  then 
called  Brother  Blackman,  who  served  the  year  1853.  Broth- 
er Hayes  was  pastor  the  year  1854.  The  year  1856  Brother 
Logan  was  pastor.  This  same  year  Silas  Fincher,  a  Metho- 
dist preacher,  joined  this  church,  and  was  ordained  by  the 
elders  and  deacons  of  Mill  Creek  and  Flint  Hill  churches. 
This  same  date  the  church  joined  the  Brown  Creek  Asso- 
ciation. The  years  1858  and  1859  Brother  Fincher  was 
pastor,  1860  Brother  Stough  was  pastor,  a  part  of  1860  and 

16 


242  History  of  the  Broaa'n  Creek 

1S61  Brother  S.  Head  was  pastor:  1859  T.  W.  Sanders  was 
ordained  deacon.  Ero.  Jrhii  S.  Croxton  was  pastor  from 
1862  to  1867;  1863  AA'ilHam  Godfrey  an<l  J.  J.  Godfrey 
were  ordained  deacons.  In  1865  the  church  revised  the  list 
of  names  on  roll.  The  years  1868  and  1869  J.  AA^  Davis 
was  pastor.  In  the  year  1869  the  church  gave  its  colored 
members  letters  of  dismission;  1871  Brother  Wilkerson  was 
pastor.  1872  Bro  J.  A.  Bivens  was  pastor.  1873  Bro.  J.  L. 
Bennett  was  pastor. 

These  are  the  names  of  the  pastors  after  1873,  but  can- 
not get  the  dates :  Jesse  AA'heeler,  J.  E.  King.  E.  L.  Davis, 
D.  A.  Snider,  J.  A.  Bivens,  Benson  King.  J-  L.  Bennett,  A. 
B.  Caudle,  J.  W.  Little,  Hogan  F.  Estridge. 

\\'adesboro  Church. 

During  the  year  1869  a  few  loyal  Christians  carved  their 
names  high  above  the  shifting  sands  of  time  upon  a  stead- 
fast rock  that  ever  defies  decay.  These  names  appear  upon 
the  charter  of  the  AA'adesboro  Baptist  Church.  Dr.  E.  A. 
Covington.  IMasten  Haire.  !\Irs.  Rena  Ingram,  Lem  H.  Cov- 
ington, Berry  Sykes,  ]\Irs.  Jane  Sykes  and  Mrs.  Longford 
Treadaway.  Later  on  the  roll  of  deacons  were  Dr.  E.  A. 
Covington.  T.  B.  Henry.  \\'ilson  Ashcraft,  Dr.  W.  J.  ]Mc- 
Lendon  and  J.  T.  Redfearn. 

For  fifteen  years  continuously  these  men  held  a  prayer 
meeting  every  Saturday  night.  Often  only  three  were  pres- 
ent. 

By  the  assistance  of  the  State  Board  and  great  sacri- 
fice a  small  framed  church  building  was  erected  on  E.  Wade 
street,  between  the  residence  of  James  A.  Leak  and  W. 
P.  Parsons,  now  known  as  the  residence  lot  of   James  A. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  243 

Henderson.  The  first  service  was  rendered  by  Rev.  Wm. 
H.  Jordon,  who  preached  once  a  month.  Rev.  B.  G.  Cov- 
ington preached  two  Sundays  a  month  during  his  pastorate. 
During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  G.  W.  Harmon  a  church  organ 
was  purchased  against  great  opposition.  At  the  first  Sun- 
day afternoon  practice  Mr.  Bob  Lockhart^  a  Methodist,  was 
helping  to  sing.  The  weather  was  hot  and  lie  was  fat,  and 
while  singing  he  fainted.  As  he  was  taken  from  the  church 
a  man  passed  and  made  the  statement  that  one  of  the  church 
members  said :  "Just  as  I  told  you,  the  thing  has  bursted 
tind  killed  a  man"   (meaning  the  organ  had  bursted). 

The  Baptists  multiplied  regardless  of  the  fierce  opposi- 
tion. The  first  organist  was  Mrs.  Hattie  R.  Covington.  Dr. 
W.  J.  AIcLendon  was  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School 
when  the  church  wa-s  removed  to  the  new  brick  and  brown 

stone  structure  on  the  corner  of  West  Wade  and 

streets. 

For  many  years  T.  B.  Henry  was  infant  class  teacher 
and  treasurer  of  the  church.  The  first  Sunbeam  Society 
was  organized  in  18S9  by  Miss  Lela  Lucas,  with  H.  H. 
McLendon  Secretary.  The  old  discardal  building  was  now 
a  schoolhouse,  known  as  the  Baptist  School  of  Wadesboro, 
bought  by  Miss  Jennie  Curry  (Mrs.  W.  J.  Huntley)  and 
Miss  L.  J.  Lucas  (Mrs.  T.  B.  Henry).  In  this  building  was 
organized  the  first  Sunbeam  band  in  the  Piedmont  section 
of  the  State  of  Xorth  Carolina,  which  taught  to  the  chil- 
dren from  seven  to  twelve  years  the  great  truths  of  Mis- 
sions. 

Strong  anti-mission  ideas  prevailed  at  that  time  through- 
out this  section  of  the  State,  and  it  was  most  difficult  to 
establish  any  organization  that  wanted  to  send  the  gospel 


244  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

to  the  heathen.  In  AA'adesboro,  at  that  time,  there  were 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church  who  forbid  the  children  to 
have  the  Missionary  Band  hold  its  meetings  inside  the 
church.  Therefore  the  meeting  was  held  in  the  schoolhouse. 
On  that  Sunbeam  roll  is  found  the  names  of  Lester  Webb, 
of  Columbia,  S.  C. ;  T.  W.  Gibson,  of  Charlotte,  N.  C. ; 
Annie  Webb  (Brasington),  Rosalend  McLendon  (Red- 
fearn),  B.  G.  Covington.  Many  times  the  minutes  record 
the  childhood  songs  of  A'linnie  Brown  and  readings  by  Min- 
nie Webb  (in  whose  memory  the  organ  at  the  Chapel  of 
South  Wadesboro  was  purchased) .  On  this  same  Sunbeam 
roll  we  note  the  names  of  Lou  Fant  (McMillen),  Mae  Fant 
(Cobb),  Miriam  Redfearn  (Benton),  Daisy  Huntley 
(Llales),  Grace  Covington  (Allen),  and  Lois  Covington 
(Smith). 

The  Woman's  Missionary  Society  was  organized  by  its 
first  President,  Mrs.  W.  J.  Weldman,  in  the  home  of  Mrs. 
W.  J.  Huntley,  with  seven  members.  At  that  time  only  two 
women  in  the  church  would  pray  at  a  society  meeting. 
These  were  Mrs.  L.  C.  Bennett  (who  wrote  her  prayers  on 
strips  of  paper),  ajad  Mrs.  T.  B.  Henry. 

From  these  two  missionary  organizations  afterwards 
developed  the  Association  known  as  the  Pee  Dee  AVoman's 
Missionary  Union,  Auxiliary  to  the  Pee  Dee  Association, 
organized  in  1894  by  Dr.  C.  Durham  and  J.  Q.  Adams, 
with  Mrs.  T.  B.  Henry  President,  ^Irs.  W.  f.  Huntley 
Secretary,  and  Miss  Minnie  Webb  Treasurer. 

The  Wadesboro  church  is  one  of  the  best  churches  in 
this  section  of  the  State  at  present.  It  has  had  some  of 
the  very  best  pastors  to  be  had.  In  the  days  of  the  Brown 
Creek   Associaion    it   had   Elders    G.   W.    Harmon,    N.    R. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  245 

Pitman,  J.  O.  Adams,  J.  F.  Love,  T.  W.  Chambliss,  Graves 
and  W.  H.  Reddish. 

The  church  has  some  of  the  very  best  workers  we  have 
seen.  It  is  without  a  pastor  at  the  present,  but  it  will  not 
remain  this  way  very  long. 

Fairfield  Church. 

Fairfield  Baptist  Church  is  located  on  the  Olive  Brand: 
and  Monroe  road,  about  eleven  miles  northeast  of  Monroe. 
It  was  organized  September  24,  1901,  by  Elders  D.  A. 
Snider,  A.  C.  Davis  and  A.  Marsh.  The  people  of  the  com- 
munity had  erected  a  stand  for  preaching,  which  was  used 
several  months  prior  to  this  time. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  charter  members : 

J.  B.  Bass,  James  R.  Gardner,  L.  C.  Gardner,  J.  A. 
Kiser,  R.  H,  Little,  G.  W.  Williams,  J.  L.  Williams,  L.  S. 
Williams,  J.  M.  Mills,  Thos.  C.  Griffin,  Sarah  M.  Broom, 
Miriam  M.  Gardner,  Lizzie  Gardner  Victoria  Griffin,  Daisy 
B.  Griffin,  S.  C.  Kiser,  Alice  Kiser,  M.  Eugenie  Baucom, 
Dora  E.  Williams,  Jane  Little,  Frances  E.  Williams  and 
Martha  Trull. 

The  following  have  served  as  pastors : 

Rev.  A.  Marsh,  Rev.  T.  P.  Little,  Rev.  J.  G.  Gullege, 
Rev.  E.  C.  Snyder  and  Rev.  J.  C.  Aleigs. 

Deep  Springs. 
Deep  Springs  Baptist  Church  is  located  in  Anson  Coun- 
ty, about  three  miles  north  of  Peachland.  It  was  organ- 
ized November  26,  1864.  When  first  organized  it  bore  the 
name  of  Caudle's  Grove,  but  was  later  changed  to  Deep 
Springs,  taking  its  name  from  a  very  deep  spring  near  by. 


246  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Twelve  charter  members  constituted  the  church  at  its 
organization.  They  were  Brethren  J.  W.  Phifer,  A.  Caudle, 
Jefferson  Caudle,  R.  T.  Caudle  and  Jesse  Caudle. 

In  the  list  of  female  members  we  have  the  names  of 
Abigal  Phifer,  ^I.  R.  Phifer,  Mary  Broadway,  Carolina 
Caudle,  Maniza  Smith,  M.  J.  Caudle  and  A.  P.  Caudle. 

The  first  deacons  were  A.  Caudle  and  J.  W.  Phifer. 

The  following  ministers  have  been  sent  out  by  the 
church:  A.  Caudle,  J.  W.  Phifer,  A.  B.  Caudle,  R.  T. 
Caudle,  Zeb  Caudle  and  I.  B.  Little. 

The  church  has  had  the  following  pastors :  J.  W.  Davis, 
A.  Caudle,  J.  W.  Phifer,  James  Barber,  D.  A.  Snider,  J.  L. 
Bennett,  James  Hartsell,  R.  T.  Caudle,  T.  P.  Little,  A. 
Alarsh,  E.  C.  Snder,  H.  G.  Bryant,  R.  M.  Haigler,  R.  H. 
James  and  Zeb  Caudle,  the  present  pastor. 

Mount  Pleasant. 

Mt.  Pleasant  Baptist  Church,  located  in  Buford  Town- 
ship, seven  miles  south  of  Monroe,  on  the  Cheraw  road, 
was  organized  June  19,  1880.  The  organizing  presbytery 
consisted  of  Elder  A.  C.  Davis  and  Elder  J.  E.  King.  It 
was  organized  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  east  of  where 
the  present  meeting  house  now  stands,  and  just  a  few  yards 
northeast  of  a  large  spring  in  a  branch,  the  land  on  which 
it  was  organized  now  being  the  property  of  Ellis  Godwin. 

The  organization  was  due  primarily  to  the  work  of  El- 
der A.  C.  Davis.  For  about  eight  months  previous  to  the 
organization  he  preached  there  regularly  under  a  brush 
arbor  prepared  for  the  purpose.  So  far  as  the  writer  can 
gather  he  was  the  first  to  preach  the  gospel,  as  the  Baptists 
hold  it,  in  that  community. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  247 

The  church  as  constituted  was  composed  of  nine  mem- 
bers. They  were  Brethren  Cullin  Parker,  Sr.,  Culhn  Par- 
ker, Jr.,  J.  M.  Funderburk,  H.  D.  Rogers  and  L.  A.  Os- 
born.  The  sisters  were  Edna  Parker,  Susan  Osborn,  E.  C. 
Funderburk  and  M.  R.  Rogers. 

J.  M.  Funderburk  was  elected  clerk.  There  is  no  rec- 
ord of  the  election  of  any  deacons  for  several  months.  A. 
C.  Davis  served  them  as  pastor  for  about  two  years  after 
the  organization. 

Their  first  house  was  a  very  small  log  one,  built  on  the 
plat  of  ground  where  the  church  was  organized.  However, 
it  did  not  serve  them  long,  for  the  record  shows  that  in 
August,  1882,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  secure  a  suit- 
able building  lot  on  the  Cheraw  road.  There  is  no  record 
of  the  report  of  that  committee,  but  the  record  shows  that 
the  church  was  soon  collecting  funds  for  the  erection  of  a 
new  house.  The  new  building  was  erected  near  the  Cheraw 
road,  on  a  plat  of  land  owned  by  R.  W.  A.  Rogers,  who 
was  a  Methodist.  The  church  in  regular  conference  ex- 
tended to  him  a  vote  of  thanks. 

Their  second  building  served  the  church  till  the  fall  of 
1916,  when  it  was  sold  and  a  larger  one  erected  on  the 
same  plat  of  ground.  The  last  building  was  badly  wrecked 
by  a  severe  cyclone  that  passed  near  by  October  29,  1917,, 
but  by  careful  work  was  repaired  and  made  sufficiently 
strong  to  be  safe.  The  following  ministers  have  served 
as  pastors  of  the  church: 

A.  C.  Davis,  J.  J.  Beasley,  D.  A.  Snider,  J.  A.  Sanders,. 
A.  Marsh,  A.  B.  Caudle,  H.  G.  Bryant,  R.  ^I.  Haigler  and 
M.  D.  L.  Preslar. 


248  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Two  preachers  have  been  ordained  and  sent  out  by  the 
church.  The  first  one,  J.  W.  Little,  North  Carohna's  "Gat- 
hng  Gun"  preacher,  was  ordained  July  19,  1887.  The  pres- 
bytery consisted  of  Elder  E.  L.  Davis,  Elder  J.  L.  Bennett 
and  Deacon  L.  J.  Parker.  The  second  one,  M.  D.  L.  Pres- 
lar,  was  ordained  September  30,  1902.     Elders  T.  P.  Little, 

D.  A.  Snider  and  A.  Marsh  composed  the  presbytery. 
Like  most  churches,  its  life  has  ebbed  and  flowed.     Yet 

it  has  been  a  great  power  for  good,  as  hundreds  can  tes- 
tify, who  first  came  to  know  the  Lord  through  its  ministry. 

History  of  Bethel  Church. 

Bethel  Baptist  Church  was  organized  August  2,  1861, 
by  Elders  S.  J.  Fincher  and  S.  Head,  with  17  members,  all 
of  whom  have  now  passed  away,  the  last  being  Mrs.  Eliza 

E.  Gray,  who  died  a  few  days  ago  at  her  home  near  Peach- 
land.  The  names  of  the  members  who  were  in  the  organi- 
zation are:  Alfred  Ashcraft,  S.  Ross,  James  Bivins,  S.  H. 
Parker,  John  S.  ]\Iarsh,  Peter  Parker,  Ann  Liles,  Jane  War- 
ren, Eliza  E.  Moore-Gray,  Martha  E.  Green,  Mary  Ross, 
Nancy  Parker,  Sarah  J.  Griffin,  Zilphia  Parker,  Jane  M. 
Bivins,  Drucilla  ^larsh  and  Elizabeth  Ross. 

Elder  S.  J.  Eincher  was  called  as  the  first  pastor,  John 
S.  Marsh  was  elected  first  church  clerk,  Alfred  Ashcraft 
and  S.  H.  Parker  were  ordained  as  the  first  deacons. 

The  pastors  who  have  served  the  church  and  the  time 
they  served  are  as  follows :  S.  J.  Fincher,  from  1861  to 
1866;  L.  Bennett  supplied  one  year;  P.  M.  Snyder,  1867 
to  1868;  L.  A.  Bivens,  from  1868  to  1870;  E.  L.  Davis, 
from  1870  to  1874;  J.  A.  Bivins,  from  1874  to  1877;  J. 
W.  Wheeler,  from  1877  to  1878 ;   J.  A.  Bivens,  from  1878 


Union  Baptist  Association.  249 

to  1881;  J.  L.  Bennett,  1881  to  1884;  J.  A.  Bivins,  1884 
to  1887;  A.  ^larsh,  1889  to  1900;  J.  A.  Bivens,  1900  to 
1907;  M.  D.  L.  Preslar,  1907  to  1913;  D.  A.  Brown,  1913 
to  1914 ;  J.  A.  Bivins  was  called  in  1914,  and  is  still  serv- 
ing. 

The  success  of  the  church  thus  far  is  due  more  to  our 
dearly  beloved  pastor,  Rev.  J.  A.  Bivens,  than  any  other 
man.  He  has  labored  faithfully  with  the  church  as  pastor 
a  total  of  nearly  27  years. 

H.  F.  Little,  Church  Clerk. 

Faulks  Church. 

Faulks  Church  stands  about  four  miles  southeast  of 
Wingate.  It  was  organized  as  a  branch  of  Mt.  Olive  Church 
in  August,  1851.  B.  F.  Benton  was  chairman  of  the  organ- 
izing presbytery.  The  names  of  other  members  of  the  pres- 
bytery are  not  given.  It  was  more  fortunate  than  some 
of  its  sister  churches  organized  about  that  time,  in  that  it 
registered  thirty-five  charter  members.     Names  not  given. 

The  church  lays  claim  to  the  honor  of  enjoying  the  pas- 
toral care  of  the  following  ministers :  Solomon  Snider,  E. 
L.  Davis,  S.  J.  Fincher,  J.  F.  McClure,  B.  Reader,  J.  W. 
Davis,  Jesse  Phifer,  D.  A.  Snider,  J.  L.  Bennett,  M.  Med- 
lin,  R.  H.  James,  J.  A.  Bivens,  A.  C.  Davis  and  F.  C. 
Snider. 

One  thing  that  is  worthy  of  special  note  in  the  history 
of  the  church  is  the  fact  that  D.  A.  Snider  and  J.  L.  Ben- 
nett, sons  of  the  church,  served  it  jointly,  one  serving  one 
month  and  the  other  the  next,  contiuously  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  year  1882,  from  1871  to  1890.  Faulks  has  al- 
ways been  noted  as  a  place  for  large  congregations,  and 


250  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

under  the  leadership  of  their  present  pastor,  Elder  E.  C. 
Snider,  they  seem  to  be  getting  an  enlarged  vision,  and 
are  going  forward. 

Antioch  Baptist  Church. 

Antioch  Baptist  Church  stands  thirteen  miles  north  of 
Monroe,  on  the  Love  Mill  road.  It  was  organized  October 
3,  1892,  by  Elders  A.  C.  Davis  and  T.  B.  Phillips,  with  the 
following  members : 

J.  A.  Newton,  J.  D.  Jenkins,  J.  L.  Green,  J.  R.  ]\IcCoy, 
J.  H.  Bresson,  J.  M.  Yorke,  C.  E.  Kiker,  A.  A.  Baucom, 
Mrs.  S.  E.  Yorke,  J.  A.  Green,  S.  J.  Kiker,  E.  A.  Baucom, 
E.  M.  Eudy,  J.  R.  Kiker,  M.  A.  McCoy,  Nancy  A.  Newton, 
Mary  E.  Reed. 

Hopewell  Church. 

Hopewell  Church  was  organized  October  6,  1878,  by 
Rev.  D.  A.  Snyder,  J.  J.  Bennett  and  J.  A.  Bivens,  w^ho 
composed  the  presbytery.  The  following  were  the  charter 
members : 

Rederick  Pope,  John  Dees,  Mary  Watkins,  ^lartha 
Faulk,  Sarah  Clonts,  Mary  Raulk,  Elizabeth  Mills,  Sarah 
Pope,  Mary  Clonts,  Thetus  Clonts,  Lucinda  Cuthbertson 
and  Nancy  Pope. 

Of  the  charter  members  only  four  are  living,  viz :  Red- 
erick Pope  and  wife,  Thetus  Clonts  Helms  and  Lucinda 
Cuthbertson  Love. 

The  original  church  house  and  lot  was  purchased  from 
the  Methodists  through  the  efforts  of  Rev.  D.  A.  Snyder, 
E.  L.  Davis,  J.  A.  Bivens,  J.  L.  Bennett  and  J.  E.  King, 
who  had  been  preaching  in  the  neighborhood  some  time 
before  the  church  w'as  organized. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  25L 

Rev.  D.  A.  Snyder  served  the  church  as  its  first  pastor 
for  two  years  without  any  compensation.  At  the  expira- 
tion of  that  period  Rev.  D.  A.  Snyder  and  J.  L.  Bennett; 
served  the  church  jointly  for  a  number  of  years  and  re- 
ceived a  salary  of  $12.50  each  per  annum  for  their  faithfuL 
services  while  the  church  was  yet  in  its  infancy. 

John  Dees  served  the  church  as  her  first  clerk.     Reder— 
ick  Pope  and  W.  G.  Long  were  the  first  church  deacons, 
and  have  served  faithfully  in  that  capacity  up  to  the  present' 
time,  a  period  of  41  years.     The  follow^ing  have  served  as- 
pastors  of  the  church,  viz : 

Rev.  D.  A.  Snyder,  J.  L.  Bennett,  J.  A.  Bivens,  A.  C. 
Davis,  J.  F.  Davis,  M.  D.  L.  Preslar,  J.  S.  Simpson,  J.  H.. 
Spaulding  and  E.  C.  Snyder. 

W.  L.  Biggers  was  the  faithful  and  efficient  church  clerk: 
for  a  period  of  thirty  years. 

J.  L.  Crowell  has  been  the  faithful  leader  of  the  church 
choir  ever  since  the  organization  of  the  church.  He  has 
always  been  at  his  post  of  duty,  and  there  is  no  church  that 
can  boast  of  a  more  faithful  member  than  he. 

The  growth  of  the  church  has  been  marked  by  the 
members  she  has  received  from  year  to  year.  Her  mem- 
bership now  numbers  178. 

This  old  church  claims  the  honor  of  sending  out  some: 
of  the  strongest  young  men  of  the  State,  viz : 

Rev.  James  Long,  Aulander,  X.  C. 

Rev.  Bruce  Benton,  Rockingham,  X.  C. 

Rev.  D.  F.  rielms.  Concord,  X.  C. 

Rev.   Edward  Long,   Clinton,   X.   C. 

Rev.  William  Hough,  Cornelius,   X.  C. 

Rev.  Sam  Long,  Heath  Springs,  X.  C. 

Prof.  AI.  B.  Dry,  Carey,  X.  C. 


252  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

These  young  men  have,  by  their  tireless  energies  and 
devotion  to  duty,  made  their  influence  for  good  felt  wher- 
ever their  lot  has  been  cast.  Hopewell  Church  is  proud  to 
■claim  these  noble  young  men  as  her  sons. 

One  noble  trait  that  has  ever  been  exhibited  by  Hope- 
well Church  is  the  spirit  of  brotherly  love  that  has  pre- 
vailed among  her  members.  Her  history  has  been  a  peace- 
ful one.  The  spirit  of  harmony  has  ever  prevailed  in  all 
the  deliberations  of  her  members. 

When  the  United  States  became  involved  in  the  great 
World  War  Hopewell  Church  furnished  five  of  her  noble 
young  men — Stanley  Chaney,  Homer  Biggers,  Clegg 
Chaney,  Arthur  Helms  and  Reece  Belk — who  did  their 
part  in  dethroning  Prussian  tyranny  and  winning  the 
*  world  for  democracy.  These  young  men,  though  separated 
from  their  home  church,  did  not  forget  their  duty  to  her. 
However  great  as  the  sacrifice  may  have  been  as  some  of 
them  took  their  places  in  the  trenches  besides  their  French 
comrades,  they  contributed  liberally  of  their  earnings  to 
the  support  of  the  church  that  meant  so  much  to  them, 
A  noble  example ! 

About  all  the  old  members  as  well  as  the  faithful  pas- 
tors who  sacrificed  so  and  who  labored  so  faithfully  to 
make  Hopewell  Church  shine  as  a  beacon  light  have  long 
since  crossed  over  the  river,  and  are,  we  believe,  resting 
under  the  shade  of  the  trees,  reaping  the  fruit  of  their 
labors. 

All  honor  to  their  memory ! 

May  their  clean  lives  and  their  noble  deeds  stimulate 
ns  to  greater  spiritual  activity. 

T.  L.  Price,  Church  Clerk. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  253 

Center  ('Xorwood)  Baptist  Church. 
Norwood  Baptist  Church  was  organized  September 
13,  1879.  The  presbytery  was  composed  of  Revs.  G.  W.. 
Harmon,  G.  O.  Wilhoit  and  A.  E.  Bennette.  The  follow- 
ing members  were  received :  ^Margaret  Lanier,  Eliza  Ben- 
nette, Rebecca  Turner,  Ann  ]\Iariah  Harris,  Isabella  Par- 
ker, Zilphy  Colson,  William  Caudle,  John  Caudle,  Sarah 
IMills,  John  Green,  ]\Iartha  Mills.  A  week's  meeting  fol- 
lowed this  organization,  and  the  following  came  in  on- 
Christian  statement  from  a  disorganized  church  near  Nor- 
wood :  The  church  was  near  the  Eli  Farmer  residence, 
and  was  called  New  Hope.  The  members  received  from 
there  were  B.  L.  Duke^  Julia  Duke,  John  P.  Duke,  George 
Thompson,  Priscilla  Duke,  Regina  Duke,  Martha  Duke 
and  Sarah  Morton.  Thededicatory  sermon  was  preached 
on  September  22nd  by  Elder  G.  W.  Harmon.  The  fol- 
lowing members  were  received  at  the  close  of  this  meet- 
ing, which  Avas  Sunday,  September  22 :  Mollie  Hinson, 
]\Iartitia  Ross,  Ann  Eliza  Thompson,  Richard  Harris,  J. 
A.  Mills,  Dock  Singleton,  Ella  Scarboro,  Louisa  M.  Har- 
ris, J.  W.  Plamilton,  Bennette  Duke.  These  were  bap- 
tized the  fifth  day  of  October  by  Elder  A.  E.  Bennette  in 
Rocky  River  near  Barnhardt's  Mill.  Rev.  R.  D.  Thomp- 
son and  wife  joined  by  letter  the  same  day.  The  church 
grew  from  time  to  time.  It  had  its  struggles,  but  kept 
going  all  the  time.  Rev.  A.  E.  Bennette  was  the  first  pas- 
tor. In  1880  Rev.  A\'.  G.  Rollins  became  pastor,  then  Rev. 
G.  O.  Wilhoit  was  called.  He  served  for  many  years,  and 
be  it  said  of  him  that  much  of  the  success  of  Norwood 
Church  is  due  to  his  faithful  services  as  pastor.  Rev. 
C.  H.  Martin  served  after  Brother  Wilhoit,  Brother  John 


254  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

P.  Boyd  followed  Brother  Alartiii,  then  they  had  another 
term  of  service  from  Brother  Wilhoit.  This  pastorate 
continued  until  1898,  when  Rev.  Chas.  T.  Ball  was  called. 
After  this  came  Rev.  B.  H.  Matthews,  then  J.  E.  M.  Dav- 
enport, who  did  much  good.  Brother  AVilhoit  served  a 
third  time,  following  Brother  Davenport,  then  came  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  E.  J\I.  Brooks.  He  did  much  good.  The 
church  built  a  parsonage  during  his  pastorate  and  added 
much  strength  to  the  work  in  general.  Rev.  J-  C.  GilHspie 
served  after  Brother  Brooks.  A  new  church  house  was 
1)uilt  during  his  pastorate.  It  was  so  much  needed  that  it 
added  a  great  deal  to  the  work.  It  is  one  of  the  prettiest 
houses  in  the  State.  It  is  small,  but  is  very  convenient. 
Brother  Gillispie  deserves  much  credit  for  this  work.  T. 
Sloan  Guy  served  six  months  after  Gillispie. 

Rev.  C.  J.  Black  is  the  present  pastor.  He  began  there 
in  Eebruary,  1919. 

The  following  have  served  as  clerks  of  Norwood 
Church:  Richard  Harris,  J.  A.  Lick,  A.  D.  Dumas,  D.  B. 
Bennette,  E.  M.  Harris,  Miss  ]Maude  Harris  and  S.  A. 
Poplin,  who  is  the  present  clerk. 

The  present  board  of  deacons  is  S.  A.  Poplin,  chair- 
man; B.  F.  Lamley,  Ray  Sinclair,  Erank  Lilly  and  Robert 
Kendall. 

Two  preachers  have  gone  out  from  this  church.  The 
first  one  was  James  S.  Farmer,  of  the  Biblical  Recorder 
staff,  who  was  ordained  September  17,  1899,  by  Revs.  D. 
S.  Morton  and  C.  J.  Black.  The  second  one  was  Rev.  E. 
M.  Harris,  who  was  ordained  about  1900,  by  Revs.  L.  R. 
Pruette,  R.  N.  Herring  and  C.  J.  Black.  He  is  a  very 
•^earnest  preacher,  and  is  doing  much  good. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  255 

This  church  enjoys  wonderful  opportunities.     \Ye   feel 
that  it  is  to  become  one  of  the  strongest  in  the  State. 


Bentox's  Cross  Roads. 

On  the  Concord  road,  eight  miles  north  of  Monroe, 
stands  a  little  white  church  called  Benton's  Cross  Roads, 
It  was  organized  September  26,  1882,  by  a  presbytery  con- 
sisting of  Elders  E.  L.  Davis,  A.  C.  Davis,  J.  W.  Davis, 
J.  A.  Eivens  and  H.  B.  King.  J.  H.  Trull  was  made  clerk 
to  the  presbytery.  Elder  E.  L.  Davis  preached  a  sermon, 
text  Romans  i.  16.  Elder  A.  C.  Davis  explained  the  ob- 
ject of  the  meeting,  after  which  the  following  presented 
letters  and  became  charter  members  of  the  new  church : 

Brthren  B.  F.  Benton,  J.  Morris  Benton,  W.  O.  Ben- 
ton, G.  D.  Benton,  J.  E.  Benton,  S.  L.  Benton,  E.  L.  Ben- 
ton, E.  \V.  Belk,  J.  F.  Belk,  S.  Z.  Austin,  S.  A.  Helms, 
T.  H.  Hartsell,  J.  B.  Beckham,  T.  A.  Griffin,  J.  T.  Griffin; 
Sisters  E.  A.  Benton,  C.  J.  Benton,  Renetta  Benton,  Avis 
Benton,  Eugenia  Benton,  E.  J.  Benton,  F.  L.  Benton,  E. 
J.  Austin,  Jane  Belk,  M.  F.  Belk,  H.  J.  Beckham,  Rosanna 
Helms,  Serena  A.  Helms  and  Mary  Griffin. 

Elders  R.  H.  James,  J.  A.  Bivens,  J.  L.  Bennett,  J.  G. 
Gulledge,  D.  A.  Snider,  J.  W.  Snider,  E.  C.  Snider,  A. 
^larsh,  AI.  D.  L.  Preslar,  J.  S.  Simpson  and  perhaps  a 
few  others  have  served  the  church  in  the  capacity  of  pastor. 

MouxTAix  Springs  Citurch. 

^Vlountain  Springs  Baptist  Church  stands  about  sever 
miles  southeast  of  Monroe  and  right  near  the  springs  for 
which   the   church    and    nearbv   school   house   was    named. 


256  History  of  the  Bkown  Creek 

The  springs  are  three  in  number.  They  issue  from  near 
the  foot  of  a  hill  from  the  summit  of  which  one  can  get 
a  good  view  of  the  surrounding  country  on  a  fair  day. 
Their  flow  of  water  is  fresh  and  perpetual.  Previous  to 
the  time  when  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  made  it  a 
regular  preaching  point  it  was  an  anti-mission  stronghold, 
and  most  of  the  itinerating  Primitive  or  Hardshell  preach- 
ers coming  through  this  section  would  make  it  a  point  to 
stop  and  preach  there.  Finally  Elder  D.  A.  Snider,  Elder 
A.  B.  Caudle  and  others  of  the  missionar)^  faith  began  to 
send  in  appointments.  As  a  result  many  became  inter- 
ested. A  brush  arbor  was  soon  built  to  accommodate  the 
crowds  that  gathered  to  hear  the  gospel  as  we  hold  it. 
Finally  a  meeting  was  held  which  continued  for  several 
days.  Many  professed  faith  in  Christ.  By  this  time  sen- 
timent had  become  strong  in  favor  of  a  church.  Accord- 
ingly, on  Jwly  19,  1901,  a  presbytery  consisting  of  Elders 
A.  B.  Caudle,  J-  A.  Bivens  and  D.  A.  Snider  met  and  or- 
ganized a  church  with  the  following  charter  members : 

W.  B.  Griffin,  Drucilla  Griffin,  Henry  Griffin,  E.  R. 
Griffin,  I\Iilas  Griffin,  Franklin  Griffin,  Raymond  Griffin, 
Zena  Griffin,  Laura  Griffin,  Ella  Griffin,  Wincie  Griffin, 
Emma  Griffin,  A.  D.  ]\Ioor,  Jessie  Aloor,  Robert  Haire,  J. 
R.  Haire,  Baxter  Flaire,  S.  H.  Haire,  Ida  Haire,  Lessie 
Haire.  S.  S.  Collins,  Lillie  Collins,  Marguerite  Collins,  G. 
T.  Snipes,  H.  A.  Snipes  and  Emma  McManus. 

In  the  list  of  pastors  the  following  names  appear : 
A.  B.  Caudle,  M.  D.  L.  Preslar.  D.  A.  Snider,  P.  E. 
Blackman,  R.  PI.  James  and  E.  C.  Snider,  the  present  pastor. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  257 

The  AIarshville  Church. 

e 
]\Iarshville  Baptist  Church  was  organized  September  18, 

1883,  by  Elder  J.  L.  Bennett  and  Elder  D.  A.  Snider.      It 

was  organized  under  the  name  of  Grove  Springs,  and  had 

fifteen  charter  members. 

On  September  15,  1888,  the  name  of  the  church  was 
changed  to  Beaver  Dam.  Again,  in  January,  1900,  it  was 
changed  to  ]\Iarshville,  and  made  to  conform  to  the  name 
of  the  village,  which  had  also  adopted  the  name  of  Marsh- 
ville.  The  adoption  of  the  new  name  was  in  honor  of  the 
Marsh  family,  which  had  become  very  prominent  in  the 
life  of  both  the  village  and  church. 

It  seems  that  for  the  first  year  after  the  organization 
Elders  J.  L.  Bennett,  D.  A.  Snider  and  J.  A.  Biven's 
preached  for  the  church  alternately.  The  second  year  J.  L. 
Bennett  and  D.  A.  Snider  were  called,  and  served  alternately 
for  some  time.  During  this  time,  August,  1886,  A.  Marsh 
was  set  apart  by  the  church  to  the  full  work  of  the  min- 
istry, after  which  it  seems  that  he,  too,  served  in  connec- 
tion with  Bennett  and  Snider,  as  they  were  popularly  called 
for  two  years.  Since  that  time  the  following  names  ap- 
pear in  the  list  of  pastors :  J.  B.  Richardson,  D.  D. ;  J.  S. 
Snider,  G.  O.  Wilhoit,  J.  L.  Shinn,  D.  M.  Austin,  S.  N. 
Watson  and  C.  J.  Black. 

In  the  list  of  deacons  appears  the  following  names :  J. 
C.  Morgan,  M.  F.  Phifer,  A.  Phifer,  W.  M.  Davis,  M.  L. 
Sinclair,  C.  M.  Griffin,  B.  H.  Griffin,  J.  T.  Garland  and 
H.  B.  Marsh. 

The  name  of  F.  'SI.  Edwards  appears  as  Treasurer  and 
Clerk ;  B.  PI.  Griffin,  Superintendent  of  Sunday  School ; 
Smith   Medlin,   as   Assistant    Superintendent;     !\Irs.   J.    M. 

17  ■  ' 


258  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


MARSHVILLE    BAPTIST    CHURCH. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  259 

Edwards,  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  School,  and  Mrs.  F. 
W.  Ashcraft,  Organist. 

]\IouNT  Ziox  Church. 

Mount  Zion  'Baptist  Church  is  located  about  twelve 
miles  south  of  ^Monroe,  on  the  Pl}"ler  ^Nlill  road.  It  was 
organized  November  10,  1913,  by  Elders  R.  H.  James, 
Braxton  Craig  and  ^I.  D.  L.  Preslar,  with  seventeen  char- 
ter members.  Previous  to  the  organization  R.  H.  James 
and  others  had  been  preaching  in  a  nearby  schoolhouse. 
The  people  of  the  community  had  built  a  house  and  had  it 
ready  for  use  at  the  organization.  Following  are  a  list  of 
the  charter  members:  Henry  Melton,  P.  O.  Melton,  Henry 
Belk,  Wesley  Melton,  :\Irs.  Henry  Melton,  Mrs.  P.  O.  ^lel- 
ton,  Lucy  Belk,  Drucilla  Baker,  Sarah  Eubanks,  Kate  La- 
ney,  Tishie  Holtsouser,  Bell  ^IcManus,  Flossie  Sustare, 
Connie  Melton,  Eliza  Laney,  [Minnie  Sinclair  and  Emma 
Laney. 

Henry  Belk  and  Henry  Melton  were  elected  and  or- 
dained as  deacons  the  day  of  the  organization  :  J.  J.  Mont- 
gomery, a  member  of  Sandy  Ridge  Church,  was  made 
Clerk;  R.  PI.  James,  R.  M.  Haigler  and  Zeb  Caudle  have 
served  the  church  as  pastor. 

Union  Grove  Church. 

Union  Grove  Baptist  Church  was  organized  by  a  pres- 
bytery consisting  of  Elders  A.  C.  Davis,  E.  C.  Snider  and 
H.  G.  Bryant,  December  1,  1910.  It  was  organized  as  a 
branch  from  Hamilton's  Cross  Roads  Church.  It  was  or- 
ganized with  the  following  members:  W.  F.  Griffin,  R.  A. 
Hamilton,  Luther  Griffin,  Buck  Little,  AA'alter  Caudle,  Y. 


260  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

R.  Parker,  C.  A.  Hamilton,  T.  C.  Griffin,  Virgie  Griffin 
and  Dora  Griffin. 

R.  A.  Hamilton  was  the  first  clerk  and  W.  F.  Griffin 
the  first  deacon. 

Since  its  organization  it  has  had  the  following  pastors : 
IT.  G.  Bryant,  A.  ^larsh  and  C.  J.  Black. 

While  the  church  is  numbered  among  the  young  ones 
of  the  Association  it  already  has  a  son  in  the  ministry  in 
the  person  of  W.  B.  Holmes,  now  of  Florida.  He  was  set 
apart  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry  September  18,  1914. 
The  presbytery  consisted  of  Elders  A.  ]\Iarsh.  J.  A.  Bivens, 
A.  C.  Davis  and  T.  P.  Little. 

Sixty-three  have  come  into  the  church  through  baptism 
since  its  organization. 

^Macedonia. 

In  the  early  summer  of  1880  a  traveler  going  south 
from  ]\Ionroe  would  travel  a  distance  of  something  like 
sixteen  miles  without  coming  in  sight  of  a  Baptist  church 
of  the  missionary  faith.  In  traveling  west  one  could  have 
started  at  Faulks  Church  and  traveled  to  Waxhaw  Baptist 
Church,  a  distance  of  eighteen  or  twenty  miles,  and  found 
no  Missionary  Baptist  church  in  the  intervening  space. 
However,  here  and  there  were  to  be  found  a  few  who  had 
received  the  gospel  as  we  preach  it. 

Standing  three  miles  south  of  IMonroe,  on  the  Chester- 
field road,  was  a  dilapidated  church  building.  The  people 
who  met  there  to  worship  from  time  to  time  were  of  the 
Primitive  or  "Tlardshell"  faith.  Finally  it  was  proposed 
that  if  the  missionaries  in  the  community  would  assist  in 
the  erection  of  a  new  house  at  the  place  that  they  in  turn 


Union  Baptist  Association.  261 

could  have  the  privilege  of  holding  services  in  the  huilding. 
The  proposition  was  accepted  and  the  work  was  done.  As 
a  result  the  first  Sunday  School  the  writer  ever  attended 
was  held  in  a  meeting  house  of  the  anti-mission  and  anti- 
Sunda}^  School  people.  But  two  cannot  walk  together  ex- 
cept they  he  agreed.  It  was  not  long  until  objection  was 
made  and  our  people  sought  other  quarters  in  which  to 
teach  the  scriptures  and  worship  God.  A  Mrs.  Whitley, 
who  was  a  member  of  the  anti-mission  church,  felt  that 
the  missionaries  had  been  treated  wrong  and  tendered  them 
the  use  of  a  tenant  house  on  her  place.  Her  generous  offer 
was  kindly  accepted  and  the  Sunday  School  work  resumed. 
However,  the  missionary  spirit  is  a  progressive  spirit.  It 
is  not  satisfied  unless  the  chords  are  being  lengthened  and 
the  stakes  strengthened.  Accordingly,  on  the  morning  of 
September  19,  1880.  a  small  congregation  met  on  the  Wolf 
Pond  road,  about  a  mile  from  the  anti-mission  church,  for 
the  purpose  of  constituting  a  new  church  of  the  missionary 
faith.  Elder  A.  T.  Latta  preached,  after  which  a  presby- 
tery was  formed,  consisting  of  Elder  A.  T.  Latta  and  El- 
der  J.  T.  Brasington.  Wellington  Baker  was  clerk  to  the 
presbytery.  Those  who  had  letters  of  dismission  from  Mis- 
sionary Baptist  churches  and  wished  to  become  charter  mem- 
bers of  the  new  church  were  asked  to  come  forward.  The 
following  presented  letters :  N.  A.  Funderburk,  W.  E. 
Funderburk,  Elmore  Funderburk,  Wellington  Baker,  H.  S. 
Presson,  W.  H.  Outen,  Elmira  Funderburk,  Annie  Fun- 
derburk, Jane  Funderburk,  Molly  Baker,  Jane  Baker,  Jane 
Harris  and  Harriet  M.  Outen. 

The  following  ministers  have  had  the  pastoral  care  of 
the  church:    J.  T.  Brasington,  J.  J.  Beasley,  J.  L.  Bennett, 


262  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

J.  A.  Bivens,  D.  A.  Snider,  W.  F.  Little,  A.  B.  Caudle,  M. 
D.  L.  Preslar,  A.  Marsh,  Braxton  Craig,  A.  C.  Davis  and 

C.  J.  Black. 

In  1891  the  church  was  moved  from  the  point  where  it 
was  organized,  on  the  Wolf  Pond  road,  to  the  point  near 
the  Chesterfield  road,  where  it  now  stands.  In  1903  the 
old  huilding  was  sold  and  a  new  one  erected. 

Un^ion  Baptist  Church. 

Union  Baptist  Church  stands  in  Lanes  Creek  Township, 
about  eight  miles  south  of  Wingate.  It  was  organized  De- 
cember 31,  1893,  by  Elders  D.  A.  Snider  and  J.  W.  Little. 
B.  F.  Parker  served  as  clerk  to  the  presbytery.  There  is 
no  record  of  the  charter  members. 

The  church  has  had  the  following  pastors:  J.  W.  Lit- 
tle, T.  P.  Little.  J.  .v.  Bivens,  A.  Alarsh,  A.  C.  Davis,  M. 

D.  L.  Preslar  and  E.  C.  Snider,  the  present  pastor. 

The  church  is  situated  in  a  good  farming  section  of  the 
county  and  has  a  good  type  of  citizenship  to  draw  upon 
Its  prospects  are  bright. 

Roanoke  Church. 
Roanoke  Baptist  Church  stands  about  five  miles  from 
Monroe,  on  the  Ridge  road.  It  was  organized  by  Dr.  A.. 
M.  Croxton,  R.  LI.  James  and  D.  A.  Snider,  Friday,  April 
5,  1901.  J.  J-  Moody  was  clerk  to  the  presbytery.  The 
list  of  charter  members  comprise  the  names  of  A.  M.  Price, 
H.  M.  Price.  E.  W.  Price,  J.  N.  D.  Price,  B.  A.  Price, 
Joseph  F.  Price,  J.  S.  Pyron.  A.  F.  Fowler,  G.  W.Jerrett, 
A.  B.  Helms,  J.  M.  Hill,  A.  C.  Helms,  M.  J.  I.  Price,  L.  A. 
Price,  S.  M.  Price,  J.  A.  Price,  Lula  Price,  M.  J.  Pyron, 


Union  Baptist  Association.  263 

D.  E.  Pyron,  Elizabeth  Fowler,  D.  E.  Fowler,  Jane  Jer- 
rett,  Z.  E.  Helms,  Bessie  Helms,  C.  E.  Hill,  C.  S.  ]\IcRorie 
and  Alsey  Medlin. 

The  following  ministers  have  served  as  pastors  of  the 
church:  R.  H.  James,  J.  G.  Gnlledge,  J.  A.  Bivens,  R.  M. 
Haigler,  A.  Alarsh,  AI.  D.  L.  Preslar  and  J.  Collie  Meigs. 

King  Street  Church^  Waxhaw. 

King  Street  Church  was  organized  September  28,  1899, 
by  Dr.  A.  ]\'I.  Croxton,  following  a  protracted  meeting  held 
in  the  Methodist  Church  by  Elder  J.  W.  Little.  The  fol- 
lowing charter  members  constituted  the  church  as  organ- 
ized: 

T.  L.  Doster,  M.  D.,  J.  P.  Garrison,  J.  T.  Black,  W.  J. 
McGuirt,  J.  A.  ^IcGuirt,  S.  J.  McGuirt,  G.  D.  Austin.  A. 
J.  Blythe,  W.  C.  Broom,  W.  S.  King,  W.  D.  King,  C.  H. 
Austin,  W.  W.  Black,  L.  M.  Austin,  G.  W.  McManus,  Geor- 
gia E.  Doster,  J.  B.  Black,  H.  D.  Black,  Mary  Brantley, 
Alice  Blythe,  Minnie  Blythe,  Hattie  Blythe,  Daisy  King,  M. 
J.  McGuirt,  Martha  AIcKibben,  M.  J.  Haigler,  Addie  Rob- 
inson, Lula,  Broom,  Jennie  King,  R.  D.  King,  P^annie  Aus- 
tin, S.  A.  McManus  and  L  J.  Austin. 

In  the  list  of  patsors  are  the  names  of  J.  W.  Little,  J. 
L.  Bennett,  W.  F.  Estridge,  G.  L.  Alerrell,  K.  W.  Hogan 
and  their  present  pastor,  J.  Collie  Meigs. 

Sketch  of  Corinth  Baptist  Church. 

Corinth  Baptist  Church  was  organized  September  9, 
1897,  by  Rev.  D.  A.  Snider  and  Rev.  J.  W.  Snider. 

Brethren  J.  C.  Price,  J.  B.  Price,  J.  A.  Price,  T.  A. 
Richardson  and  Sisters  M.  A.  Price,  Dora  Price,  A^annie 


264  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

Price,  Arkansaw  Price,  Julia  Drake,  Rehnll  Richardson  and 
■Clarinda  Helms  were  the  charter  members.  Brother  T.  A. 
JRichardson  and  Brother  E.  C.  Helms  were  the  first  deacons, 
and  Brother  T.  A.  Richardson  was  the  first  clerk. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Snider  was  the  first  pastor.  The  successive 
pastors  are :  Rev.  J.  G.  Gulledge,  ^^'illiam  Walters,  H.  C. 
Bryant,  J.  A.  Bivens.  Rev.  R.  M.  Haigler  is  the  present 
pastor,  and  has  been  with  the  church  for  nearly  seven  years. 
The  present  membership  is  202,  with  a  flourishing  Sunday 
School.  Brother  W.  A.  Griffin  is  the  faithful  Superintend- 
ent. In  1915  the  church  had  a  revival,  conducted  by  the 
pastor,  Rev.  R.  M.  Haigler,  that  resulted  in  forty  additions 
to  the  church.  It  was  at  this  meeting  that  plans  were  laid 
to  enlarge  the  church  building,  and  in  a  short  while  the 
seating  capacity  was  doubled. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Snider  laid  the  foundation  of  the  church  by 
•doing  the  first  preaching  under  a  brush  arbor.  C.  A.  Helms 
•donated  the  builtHng  lot.  J.  C.  Price  named  the  church. 

Sketch  of  Ebexezer  Baptist  Church. 

Ebenezer  Church  was  organized  September  6,  1879. 
The  presbytery  consisted  of  the  following  named  brethren : 
Rev.  E.  C.  Williams  of  Mecklenburg  and  Rev.  B.  S. 
Reeder  of  Union  County.  These  old  pioneer  preachers 
have  long  since  gone  to  their  reward. 

The  church  was  organized  with  twelve  charter  mem- 
bers, five  male  and  seven  female.  The  following  names 
were  the  charter  members :  X.  ]\I.  Beckham,  J.  E.  Rowell, 
Thomas  Price,  S.  J.  Rowell,  J-  X.  D.  Price,  Mrs.  Sarah 
Ann  Rowell,  Mrs.  Martha  J.  Rowell,  Mrs.  Carolina  Gib- 
son, Mrs.  Rebecca  Price,  Mrs.  Lydia  Rowell,  Airs.  Martha 
J.  Beckham,  Mrs.  Mary  C.  Rowell. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  265 

N.  M.  Beckham  and  J.  E.  Rowell  were  the  first  deacons. 
N.  M.  Beckham  was  the  first  clerk  of  the  church. 

Rev.  E.  C.  Wllhams  was  the  first  pastor  of  the  newly- 
organized  church,  and  served  until  1883.  Rev.  A.  C.  Davis 
was  called  and  served  the  church  for  one  year,  resigning  in 
October,  1884.  In  March,  1885,  the  church  called  Rev.  W. 
M.  Johnson  of  ]\Iatthews ;  he  accepted  the  call,  and  served 
until  October  of  the  same  year.  After  his  resignation  Rev. 
J.  A.  Bivens  took  up  the  work,  and  preached  four  years, 
resigning  at  the  close  of  the  Associational  year  1889.  Rev. 
R.  H.  James  then  took  charge,  and  served  one  year.  Rev. 
T.  B.  Phillips  was  the  next  pastor,  resigning  at  the  close 
of  the  year,  in  1892.  Brother  James  was  called  for  the 
second  time,  and  served  for  three  years.  In  1895  Rev.  A. 
Marsh  accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  church,  and  served  for 
four  years,  resigning  at  the  close  of  1899.  Rev.  R.  H. 
James  was  called  back  for  the  third  time,  and  served  this 
time  two  years.  Rev.  D.  A.  Snider  was  then  called,  and 
preached  for  one  year. 

In  the  fall  of  1902  Rev.  R.  H.  James  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  church  for  the  fourth  time,  and  served  one 
year.  In  1903  Rev.  M.  D.  L.  Preslar  took  charge,  and 
served  two  years,  resigning  in  the  fall  of  1905.  Rev.  J. 
G.  Gulledge  served  two  years,  resigning  at  the  close  of 
1907.  Rev.  H.  G.  Bryant  followed  Brother  Gulledge,  and 
was  with  the  church  three  years.  Rev.  A.  Marsh  then  took 
up  the  work  and  preached  two  years,  and  a  part  of  the 
third  one,  when  he  was  compelled  to  give  up  the  work  on 
account  of  failing  health.  Brother  Gulledge  supplied  the 
remainder  of  the  year.  Rev.  AI.  D.  L.  Preslar  again  be- 
came pastor,  and  served  until  1916.     Rev.  R.  M.  Haigler 


266  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

took  up  the  \York  in  the   fall  of   1916,  and  is  the  present 
pastor. 

The  present  memhership  is  157,  with  a  splendid  Sunday 
School  Brother  J.  G.  Baucom  is  the  efficient  superintend- 
ent. Rev.  H.  T.  Baucom,  who  vokmteered  as  a  chaplain, 
and  went  with  the  A.  E.  F.  to  France,  was  ordained  to 
preach  while  a  member  of  this  church.  It  is  not  definitely 
known  who  did  the  first  preaching  before  the  church  was 
organized,  but  presumably  it  was  a  Rev.  Mr.  David. 

AIoNROE  Baptist  Church. 

Through  the  energy  and  liberality  of  Major  D.  A.  Cov- 
ington, a  Baptist  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Monroe  forty-six  years  ago.  It  stood  on  the  emi- 
nence which  is  within  the  present  enclosure  of  the  cemetery 
and  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  five  hundred  dollars. 

In  this  building  the  Monroe  Baptist  Church  was  organ- 
ized on  Friday,  October  22,  1852.  Nine  persons— four 
males  and  five  females — went  into  the  organization :  D.  A. 
Covington,  James  Benton,  J.  V.  Griffin,  C.  Austin,  Susan 
A.  Covington,  Martha  Doster,  Martha  Benton,  Margaret 
Bibb  and  Martha  Griffin.  The  presbytery  which  officiated 
at  the  constitution  of  the  church  was  composed  of  Elders 
J.  T.  Copeland,  Solomon  Snider,  Eliam  C.  Williams  and 
Wiley  Blackman. 

The  records  of  the  church  from  its  organization  until 
1880  have  been  misplaced,  lost  or  destroyed,  and  are  not 
available  for  use  in  the  preparation  of  this  article.  The 
facts  here  given  concerning  this  period  have  been  furnished 
me  by  Mrs.  Susan  A.  Covington,  the  only  one  of  the  origi- 
nal members  now  living. 


Union  Baptist  xA.ssociation.  267 

The  church  has  had  sixteen  pastors.  The  first  was  Sol- 
omon Snider,  who  was,  perhaps,  the  principal  mover  in  the 
establishment  of  the  church.  Then  came  Edmund  L.  Da- 
vis, R.  B.  Jones,  A.  L.  Stoiigh  (who  served  just  before  the 
war  and  left  here  to  join  the  army),  Philip  X.  Snider 
(whose  ministry  of  "several  years,"  as  stated  in  his  resig- 
nation— which  is  preserved — closed  in  October,  1868),  T. 
J.  Taylor,  Silas  Fincher,  Enoch  Lowry  (who  was  pastor 
in  181,  and  perhaps  longer),  and  B.  G.  Covington,  whose 
miniitry  terminated  with  October,  1876.  Erom  this  point 
on  we  have  definite  written  record  as  follows :  J.  T.  Bra- 
smgton,  October,  1876,  to  August,  1879;  J.  E.  King,  Au- 
gust, 1879,  to  August,  1881  ;^W.  B.  Harrell,  September, 
1881,  to  1883;  D.  M.  Austin/ Xovember,  1883,  to  Decem- 
ber, 1889;  G.  W.  Harmon,  April,  1890,  to  October,  1892; 
M.  A.  Adams,  February,  1893,  to  June,  1894;  Hight  C. 
INloore,  July,  1894,  to  the  present  time. 

The  church  has  had  three  houses  of  worship.  The  first,, 
which  has  already  been  mentioned,  was  used  for  twenty-six 
years.  The  present  site  was  then  secured,  and.  in  the  spring- 
of  1878  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  building  was  laid.  This 
was  completed  the  following  year,  J.  E.  King,  then  pastor,. 
working  in  person  on  the  house  and  making  the  pulpit  now 
in  use.  The  total  cost  of  the  structure,  outside  of  the  work 
given  by  the  brethren,  was  $4,500.  The  dedication  sermon 
was  preached  on  the  first  Sunday  in  December,  1879,  hy 
Dr.  T.  H.  Pritchard.  At  10:15  o'clock  p.  m..  May  28,  1885, 
the  church  caught  fire  from  Plyler's  store  and  was  burned. 
It  was  a  total  loss,  there  being  no  insurance.  The  present 
building,  begun  in  the  fall  of  1885,  was  completed  in  the 
early  part  of  1886  at  a  cost  of  $6,000.     While  it  was  in 


268  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

course  of  erection  the  church  worshipped  for  six  weeks 
in  the  Episcopal  Hah,  and  for  the  rest  of  the  time  in  the 
hall  over  Lee  Stevens'  store.  This  was  during  the  pas- 
torate of  D.  M.  Austin.  In  1893  chairs  were  placed  in  the 
church  at  a  cost  of  about  $450.  In  December,  1894,  a  par- 
sonage on  the  corner  of  Crawford  and  Windsor  streets  was 
secured  and  repaired,  at  a  cost  of  $900. 

Before  closing  I  will  add  two  or  three  notes  in  general. 
As  far  as  I  am  able  to  learn,  weekly  preaching  began  with 
the  ministry  of  either  T.  J.  Taylor  or  B.  G.  Covington. 
Only  one  of  the  pastors  of  the  church — P.  N.  Snider — is 
buried  in  Monroe.  Early  in  the  eighties  the  pastor's  salary 
was  $300.  The  Macedonia  Church  was  originally  an  arm 
of  the  Monroe  Church.  It  appears  on  the  record  that  the 
church  has  sent  forth  but  one  ordained  minister  to  the  act- 
ive work,  A.  B.  Caudle,  in  August.  1890. 

Mill  Creek. 

Mill  Creek  Church  is  a  branch  from  Meadow  Branch 
and  was  organized  the  last  of  October,  or  in  November, 
1856.  Elders  E.  C.  Williams,  Evander  David  and  R.  W. 
Rollins  constituted  the  organized  presbytery. 

The  names  of  the  charter  members  are : 

Males :  Elder  E.  C.  Williams,  Lemuel  \A'illiams,  Sutton 
Williams,  J.  Milton  Braswell,  Shadrach  Braswell,  Burton 
Gibson,  Richard  Outen ;  females :  Mrs.  J.  Milton  Bras- 
well, Sarah  Braswell,  Delilah  Price,  Mary  Presley,  Mrs. 
Burton  Gibson. 

In  the  list  of  pastors  appears  the  following  names :  E. 
C.  Williams,  Thomas  Phillips,  J.  A.  Bivens,  D.  A.  Snider, 
R.  H.  James,  J.  L.  Bennett,  A.  Marsh,  A.  C.  Davis,  M.  D. 
L.  Preslar  and  E.  C.  Snider. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  269 

Olive  Branch. 

Olive  Branch  Church  stands  nine  miles  north  of  Marsh- 
ville,  in  New  Salem  Township.  Clustered  close  around  it 
are  several  residences,  two  stores,  a  mill  and  a  three-room 
schoolhouse  where  the  children  of  the  community  are  car- 
ried to  the  ninth  grade  in  their  studies. 

The  church  was  organized  hy  a  presbytery  consisting 
of  Elders  E.  L.  Davis,  Silas  Fincher  and  S.  P.  Morton  on 
October  30,  1858.  Following  is  a  list  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers :  ]\Iales :  John  A.  Austin,  Henry  Baucom,  Calvin  T. 
Baucom,  Ellis  Godwin,  William  Horn,  Redden  Staten,  J. 
E.  W.  Smith ;  females :  Delanie  Baucom,  Sarah  Brewer,. 
Remelia  Griffin,  Charlotte  Lingle,  Laura  J.  Smith. 

x^t  the  bottom  of  the  list  is  the  inscription,  "Dolley,  a 
slave.'' 

The  following  pastors  have  served  the  church  in  the 
order  named :  S.  P.  Morton,  J-  A.  Bivens,  E.  L.  Davis,  J. 
L.  Bennett,  D.  A.  Snider,  A.  Marsh,  T.  P.  Little,  G.  6. 
Wilhoit,  J-  S.  Simpson  and  1\L  D.  L.  Preslar. 

The  church  has  sent  out  one  minister,  Elder  T.  P.  Lit- 
tle, who  was  ordained  Sunday,  April  21,  1893. 

SllILOH. 

Shiloh  Church  stands  at  Bakers,  four  and  one-half  miles 
northwest  of  Monroe.  It  was  organized  by  Elders  E.  C. 
Williams  and  Philip  T.  Hammond  on  Saturday  before  the 
fourth  Sunday  in  November,  1847.  According  to  the  min- 
utes of  the  organization  it  was  constituted  with  just  two 
charter  members.  They  were  ?\Iark  Kiser,  from  Meadow 
Branch,  and  Mary  Massey,  from  Spring  Hill,  in  South 
Carolina.     In  this  connection  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to- 


270  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

give  the  letter  granted  by  the  Spring  Hill  church  to  Alary 
Massey:  "Soiith  Carolina,  Lancaster  District.  We,  the 
Baptist  Church  of  Spring  Hill,  holding  believers  baptism 
b}^  immersion  and  the  final  perseverance  of  the  Saints  in 
Christ  Jesus,  Whereas,  our  beloved  sister,  Mary  Courtney 
(now  Massey),  has  petitioned  for  a  letter  of  dismission 
from  us,  this  therefore  is  to  certify  that  she  is  a  member 
in  good  standing  and  fellowship  with  us,  and  when  joined 
to  another  church  of  same  faith  and  order,  then  regularly 
dismissed  from  us." 

"Done  in  church  conference  Saturday  before  the  third 
Lord's  da}'  in  November,  1847. 

"Henry  Funderburk,  Clerk." 

In  that  early  day  they  were  not  strangers  to  the  mission 
spirit,  as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  on  September  25,  1848, 
they  took  a  collection  for  missions  which  amounted  to  five 
dollars.  The  record  also  shows  that  just  a  little  later  they 
had  an  address  on  missions  during  a  series  of  revival 
services. 

By  invitation  of  the  church  a  presbytery  consisting  of 
Elders  W.  R.  Johnson, and  Nathan  Fail  met  in  July,  1855. 
and  set  apart  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry  of  Nathan 
Funderburk. 

Strange  to  say  that  the  record  of  the  church  from  its 
organization  to  1869  only  makes  reference  to  two  pastors, 
namely,  Nathan  Funderburk  and  F.  L.  Davis,  though  they 
do  show  that  previous  to  the  call  of  these  men  they  had 
preaching  by  difi^erent  ones.  While  it  is  not  stated,  the 
writer  infers  from  a  close  study  of  the  records  that  it  was 
a  prevailing  custom  with  the  ministers  of  that  time  to  alter- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  271 

nate  and  so  give  to  each  church  the  benefit  of  the  advice 
and  preaching  of  different  men.  This  may  not  seem  so 
strange  when  we  recall  that  the  service  of  these  early  min- 
isters was  often  rendered  wholly  as  a  labor  of  love  and 
without  thought  of  remuneration. 

In  more  recent  times  the  church  has  enjoyed  the  pas- 
toral care  of  the  following  ministers :  A.  C.  Davis,  R.  H. 
James,  A.  ]\Iarsh,  ^l.  D.  L.  Preslar,  Braxton  Craig,  E.  C. 
Snider  and  J.  A.  Wray. 

A  \>,RY  Brief  Sketch  of  the  Life  of  Rev.  J.  L.  Bennett, 
By  His  Son,  Stanley  W.  Bennett. 

In  compliance  with  an  earnest  request  I  am  attempting 
a  task  for  which  I  have  no  definite  data,  and  will  therefore 
have  to  depend  upon  associated  events  as  to  dates. 

Rev.  Joseph  Legrand  Bennett  was  born  in  Union  Coun- 
ty, N.  C,  June  21,  1846.  He  was  one  of  a  large  family  of 
children  who  lost  their  father  and  mother  when  he  was 
about  six  years  old.  He  was  reared  mostly  by  one  of  his 
older  sisters,  Mrs.  Martha  Bivens. 

He  was  converted  early  in  life  and  joined  Faulk's  Bap- 
tist Church,  of  which  he  remained  a  loyal  member  until 
the  day  of  his  death. 

Joseph  Legrand  Bennett  was  married  first  to  Miss  Hen- 
rietta Love  Gaddy  of  Union  County  in  the  year  1865,  with 
whom  he  lived  happily  about  sixteen  years,  when  God 
suddenly  called  her  unto  Himself,  leaving  the  husband  wdtii 
nine  children  to  mourn  their  loss. 

About  1869  Rev.  Bennett  felt  divinely  called  to.  the  gos- 
pel ministry,  to  which,  after  prayerful  deliberation  ,he  hap- 


272  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

pily  responded.  To  this  call  he  was  true  to  the  last  hour 
of  his  life. 

His  educational  advantages  having  been  very  meager 
in  early  life,  and  desiring  to  prepare  himself  the  best  that 
he  could  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  sold  a  part  of  his 
possessions  on  the  farm  and  moved  to  White  Store,  in 
Anson  County,  where  he  entered  a  splendid  school  for  that 
time,  conducted  by  Prof.  David  Gulledge.  The  death  of 
one  of  his  best  friends,  during  his  first  year  in  this  school, 
rendered  hi&  further  study  in  this  school  impracticable,  so 
he  returned  to  his  farm,  and  in  the  midst  of  his  farm  work, 
and  with  such  meager  help  as  he  was  able  to  procure,  he 
pursued  his  work  in  the  ministry  with  marked  success,  bap- 
tizing during  his  ministry  about  five  thousand  persons.  He 
found  great  joy  in  saddling  his  horse  on  Saturday  morning 
and  riding  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles  and  preaching  on 
Saturday  and  Sunday,  then  returning  home  to  take  up  his 
farm  work  on  Monday  morning. 

C)ne  of  his  favorite  co-laborers  was  the  late  Rev.  David 
A.  Snyder.  They  studied  together,  prayed  together,  trav- 
eled together,  and  preached  together.  They  delighted  in 
pioneer  work;  gathering  the  people  at  cross  roads  and  un- 
der brush  arbors,  and  there  laying  the  foundation  for  what 
now  are  some  of  the  leading  churches  of  Union  and  other 
neighboring  counties. 

Rev.  Bennett  was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss  Bet- 
tie  Long  of  ]\Iecklenburg  County,  with  whom  he  lived 
about  twelve  A'ears,  when  she  was  summoned  from  him  by 
death.     No  children  were  born  to  this  marriage. 

He  was  married  the  third  time  to  ]\Iiss  Fannie  Morgan 
of  Union  Countv.     To  this  union  two  children  were  born. 


Union  Baptist  Association. 


273 


REV.  J.   L.   BENNETT. 


which,  with  their  mother  and  four  sons  from  his  first  mar- 
riage, survive  him. 

While  never  having  had  man}'  educational  advantages 
himself,   he   was   always   a   strong   advocate   of   education. 


18 


274  History  of  the  Broayn  Creek 

Nothing  gave  him  more  pleasure  than  to  encourage,  and 
aid  as  far  as  he  was  able,  any  young  man  or  women  in 
acquiring  an  education ;  especially  was  he  always  interested 
in  the  education  of  young  ministers. 

He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  and  an  enthusiastic  sup- 
porter of  the  splendid  Baptist  school  at  Wingate,  N.  C.  He 
left  his  farm  and  moved  to  this  school,  that  he  might  be 
a  greater  blessing  to  the  school  and  derive  a  greater  bless- 
ing from  it.  He  was  for  many  years  chairman  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  school,  and  bore  this  relation  to 
the  school  at  his  death. 

On  February  6,  1914,  after  having  served  his  own  gen- 
eration as  nearly  as  he  was  able,  according  to  the  will  of 
God,  and  while  conducting  the  burial  service  of  one  of  his 
old  friends,  the  late  Alexander  Brooks,  he  was  stricken  with 
paralysis  of  the  brain,  «nd  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  at  the  home 
of  his  nephew.  Air.  E.  C.  Griffin,  of  Marshville,  N.  C.,  and 
with  Masonic  honors  he  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  cemetery 
at  Marshville,  N.  C. 


Unio:x  Baptist  Association.  275 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Elder  Joseph  Williams. 
1825. 

Elder  Joseph  Williams  was  the  second  Baptist  preacher 
to  settle  in  this  county.  He  came  here  from  Sampson 
County  about  the  year  of  1805.  He  purchased  a  tract  of 
land  from  John  Bivins,  which  he  had  entered  July  10,  1797. 
This  land  is  still  in  the  hands  of  the  heirs  of  the  old 
preacher.  It  is  owned  by  Mr.  Henry  Frank  Williams.  Thus 
you  can  see  that  it  has  been  in  the  Williams  family  for  more 
than  a  hundred  years. 

The  old  preacher  was  twice  married.  His  second  wife 
was  named  Martha.  She  is  buried  beside  him  in  the  old 
Williams  graveyard  near  Wingate,  X.  C. 

Ele  and  Elder  John  Bennett  organized  Meadow  Branch 
Church  and  were  the  first  pastors.  Elder  Bennett  seems 
to  have  organized  another  Baptist  church  a  little  further  up 
Richardson  Creek  in  1801.  It  was  called  Richardson's 
Creek  Baptist  Church,  and  was  still  in  existence  in  1815, 
when  the  Moriah  Association  was  organized,  but  had  in- 
consistencies in  it  in  1834.  It  soon  passed  over  to  the  Old 
School  Baptists  and  died.  Some  of  the  members  went  to 
Aleadow  Branch  and  some  moved  to  High  Hill  Primitive 
Baptist  Church. 

Elder  Joseph  Williams  was  a  Welshman,  and  possibly 
an  offspring  of  the  Welsh  Neck  Baptist  section  just  a  few 
miles  below  Cheraw,  S.  C. 


276  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

We  have  not  been  able  to  secure  the  old  church  book 
of  Meadow  Branch,  so  that  we  can  tell  just  how  many- 
years  he  was  pastor,  but  we  feel  safe  in  saying  that  he 
served  here  until  his  death,  in  1825.  He  must  have  been 
very  old,  as  we  have  a  record  of  his  son  Henry's  birth  in 
1769.  He  must  have  been  born  about  1745,  and  was  there- 
fore about  eighty  years  old  when  he  died. 

He  mentions  five  sons  and  one  daughter  in  his  will, 
which  we  added  to  this  sketch. 

He  has  quite  a  large  relationship  around  Wingate. 
Nearly  all  of  his  posterity  have  attended  church  at  Meadow 
Branch. 

A  move  is  on  foot  now  to  erect  a  monument  to  his 
grave. 

The  following  is  his  last  will  and  testament: 

Joseph   Wh.liams'   Will. 

In  the  name  of  God,  Amen— Be  it  remembered  that  I, 
Joseph  Williams,  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  and  County 
of  Anson,  being  weak  in  body,  but  of  sound  mind  and  mem- 
ory, calling  to  mind  the  mortality  of  my  body,  knowing 
that  it  is  appointed  for  men  once  to  die,  I  do  hereby  make, 
constitute  and  ordain  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament. 

First — I  give  unto  my  beloved  wife,  Martha  Williams, 
two  negroes,  named  Vilet  and  Hannah,  and  all  my  land 
and  plantation  and  as  much  of  my  estate  as  she  thinks  may 
seem  proper  to  keep  in  her  hands,  and  at  her  death  for 
my  daughter,  Rebeah,  to  have  Hannah  and  Vilet  and  the 
land  to  be  sold,  and  my  son,  Rewbourn  Williams,  to  have 
seventy-five  dollars  out  of  it,  and  my  grandson,  Joel  Ben- 
nett, to  have  seventy-five  dollars,  and  my  son-in-law,  Wil- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  277 

Ham  Bennett,  fifty  cents  and  the  balance,  with  what  other 
property  is  found  in  her  hands  to  be  equally  divided  among 
my  son,  Henry  Williams,  William  Williams,  Parot  Wil- 
liams, Lamuel  Williams,  Rebeah,  James  and  the  balance  of 
my  estate — I  give  and  dispose  of  in  the  following  manner: 
First — I  give  unto  son  Lamuel  W^illiams  two  negroes  named 
Seel  and  Eady,  and  the  rest  to  be  sold  and  divided  among 
Henry,  William,  Parot,  Lamuel,  Rebeah,  James,  and  I  do 
hereby  revoke  and  disannul  all  other  wills  made  by  me, 
and  do  appoint  my  two  sons,  William  Williams  and  Lam- 
uel Williams,  <^xecutors  to  same.  In  consideration  where- 
of I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this  fourth  day 
of  July,  1825;  also,  I  want  Eady  House  to  have  one  dol- 
lar of  my  estate,  and  my  son  Hezikiah  one  dollar. 

His 
Joseph  X.  Williams   (Seal). 
Mark. 
Witnesses — Xathaniel   Bivens,   Brissom  Taylor. 
Anson,  July  court,  1825. 

When  this  will  was  duly  proven  in  open  court  by  the 
oath  of  Nathaniel  Bivins,  a  subscribing  witness,  and  or- 
dered to  be  recorded. 

Wm.  Dismarkes,  C.  S.  C. 


W.   F.   Brasington. 

Brother  Brasington  told  the  writer  that  in  his  fifteenth 
year  he  was  bound  as  an  apprentice  to  learn  the  carpenter's 
trade.  He  served  his  apprenticeship,  and  by  reason  of  his 
faithfulness,    honesty   and    close    application    to    his    trade 


278  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

there  soon  opened  before  him  a  promising-  field  and  a  lu- 
crative business.  In  the  midst  of  this  business  the  Holy 
Spirit  convinced  him  of  his  lost  condition ;  he  was  brought 
to  a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth  and  was  baptized  into 
the  fellowship  of  the  Camden  Baptist  Church.  He  soon 
felt  that  the  Lord  had  called  him  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and,  in  obedience  to  the  divine  call,  gave  up  his  carpen- 
ter's trade  and  entered  heartily  into  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry. He  preached  a  few  years  as  missionary,  in  con- 
nection with  Rev.  Joseph  T.  Copeland,  of  precious  memory, 
in  the  bounds  of  the  ^loriah  Association,  which  at  that  time 
covered  an  extensive  territory.  These  two  servants  of  God 
working  together  as  father  and  son  in  the  gospel  were  in- 
strumental in  building  up  most  of  the  churches  that,  at  the 
time  of  Brother  Brasington's  death,  composed  the  jMoriah 
Association.  In  the  year  1833,  at  the  call  of  the  Fork  Hill 
church,  he  was  ordained  to  the  sacred  work  of  the  ministry. 
He  served  as  pastor,  at  dilTerent  times,  various  churches 
of  the  two  Carolinas.  In  the  year  1838  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  Fork  Hill  Church,  and  served  twentv-six 
years.  Being  a  diligent  student  of  the  Bible,  a  close  ob- 
server of  men  and  things,  and  possessed  of  good  common 
sense,  a  sound  judgment,  a  retentive  memory,  an  acute  in- 
tellect, strong  will,  courage,  endurance,  intense  conscien- 
tiousness and  ardent  piety,  he  was  eminently  useful  as  a 
preacher  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God. 

The  writer  was  baptized  by  him  into  the  fellowship  of 
the  Fork  Hill  Church  in  the  year  1848.  And  in  the  year 
1862,  the  8th  of  January,  was  ordained  by  him  and  Rev. 
Peter  Nicholson  to  the  responsible  work  of  preaching  the 
gospel.     I   can  say  of  him  that  he  was  a   faithful  pastor 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  279 

and  strictly  honest  in  all  his  intercourse  with  men.  There 
was  no  flattery  in  his  nature.  He  was  true  as  steel  to  his 
convictions.  He  possessed  and  manifested  the  spirit  of  his 
^Master,  and,  like  Paul,  would  reprove  an  elder,  though  a 
special  friend,  if  he  thought  he  merited  it.  His  strict  hon- 
esty of  spirit  and  fidelity  to  the  cause  of  the  ^Master  made 
the  impression  on  the  mind  of  others,  besides  Brother 
Gardner,  "that  he  was  not  a  strong  admirer  of  young 
preachers,  and  that  he  was  disposed  to  be  rather  critical 
with  them,"  until  they  became  intimately  acquainted  with 
him  and  could  see  the  purity  of  his  spirit. 

The  writer  can  testify  that  he  was  a  true,  honest,  pains- 
taking, patient  and  faithful  spiritual  nurse  and  trainer  of 
young  preachers,  when  they  would  seek  his  counsel  and 
place  themselves  under  his  watchcare.  Alyself  and  his  son, 
James,  were  both  set  apart  on  the  same  day  to  preach  the 
gospel,  and  I  asked  him  to  take  the  same  liberties  with  me 
in  pointing  out  my  defects  and  imperfections  in  trying  to 
preach  that  he  would  with  his  son  James.  He  promised 
me  that  he  would  do  so.  After  preaching  several  times  in 
his  presence,  and  he  making  no  criticisms.  I  reminded  him 
of  his  promise,  and  said  to  him,  'T  know  that  I  need  many 
corrections."  "Yes,"  said  he,  "but,  Brother  John,  I  see 
so  many  faults  in  you  and  James  both  that  I  hardly  know 
where  to  begin."  It  was  spoken  in  a  kindly  tone  ;  and  it 
put  me  on  my  metal  to  watch  and  correct  my  own  defects 
and  to  make  the  best  that  I  could  of  myself.  There  was. 
once  a  deacon  of  one  of  the  churches  which  he  was  servin2~ 
as  pastor  who  felt  that  he  was  called  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and  he  consulted  his  pastor  on  the  subject,  saying  to  him 
that  he  wanted  him  to  be  faithful  with  him. 


280  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

"Well,"  said  he,  "my  brother,  I  will.  "Please  state  to 
me  the  evidence  you  have  of  your  call  to  preach."  The 
deacon  proceeded  to  give  him  the  evidence.  He  listened 
to  him  patiently  until  he  got  through,  and  then  asked  him  if 
these  were  all.  He  said  yes.  "Well,"  said  Brother  Bra- 
sington,  "I  fail  to  see  the  first  evidence  of  a  divine  call  in 
all  that  you  have  mentioned  to  me,  and  will  say  this  to  you : 
When  you  put  on  the  harness  of  the  preacher  you  will 
only  spoil  a  good  deacon."  Only  a  short  while  before  his 
last  illness  he  was  with  me  on  our  way  to  my  appointment 
at  Fork  Hill,  x^nd  he  said  to  me,  "Brother  John,  I  feel 
that  my  departure  is  near  at  hand.  I  will  not  live  much 
longer ;  for  years  the  care  of  all  the  churches  in  the  Moriah 
has  been  on  me,  and  after  my  departure  I  will  that  my 
mantle  shall  fall  upon  your  shoulders.  I  have  spent  my 
days  in  serving  the  churches  of  this  Association.  Brother 
John,  take  care  of  the  churches  of  the  Moriah."  And  then 
he  said :  "I  want  you  to  preach  my  funeral  sermon  and 
use  as  your  text  II  Tim.  iv.  7-8,  T  have  fought  a  good 
fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith,  etc'  " 
I  feel  grateful  to  the  Lord  that  I  had  the  privilege  of 
preaching  the  sermon.  Truly  it  may  be  said  of  him,  "he 
was  a  good  man  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith." 
His  end  was  peace.    His  last  words  were  "all  peace." 

He  was  Moderator  of  the  Moriah  Association  for  many 
consecutive  years,  and  was  an  efficient  presiding  officer. 
This  part  of  the  world  was  bettered  by  having  William  Fig- 
ures Brasington  live  in  it.  John  S.  Croxton. 

Heath  Springs,  S.  C. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  281 

Rev.  Albert  Lewis  Stough. 

Among  the  men  who  contributed  largely  to  building  up 
the  kingdom  in  the  bounds  of  the  old  Brown  Creek  Asso- 
ciation Albert  Lewis  Stough  is  justly  regarded  as  one  of  the 
inost  prominent. 

He  was  born  February  29,  1824,  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean, 
as  his  parents  were  returning  from  the  United  States  to 
their  home  in  Germany.  While  he  was  yet  little  more  than 
an  infant  he  lost  both  of  his  parents  and  went  to  live  with 
his  uncles,  who  were  Roman  Catholic  priests.  He  was  de- 
signed for  the  priesthood,  and  was  educated  with  that  end 
in  view. 

Mr.  Stough  was  averse  to  becoming  a  priest.  His  uncles 
knew  his  feelings  in  regard  to  the  matter,  and  watched  him 
very  closely  to  prevent  him  from  escaping  from  the  destiny 
to  which  he  had  been  devoted  from  his  early  childhood.  An 
opportunity,  however,  came,  and  he  made  his  escape,  and 
came  to  the  United  States  and  settled  first  in  Pennsylvania. 
He  afterwards  came  to  Norfolk,  Va.,  where  he  was  brought 
under  evangelical  influences,  and  was  converted.  His  new 
experience  and  the  light  that  flooded  his  mind  and  soul  soon 
convinced  him  that  he  could  not  remain  a  Catholic.  He, 
therefore,  set  about  making  a  careful  investigation  of  the 
claims  of  the  various  Protestant  denominations  to  be  the 
Church  of  Christ;  he  always  said  that  his  German  Bible 
made  him  a  Baptist.  He,  therefore,  united  with  the  Cum- 
berland Street  Baptist  Church  of  Norfolk,  Va.,  and  was 
baptized  by  Dr.  Charles  R.  Hendrickson.  This  was  prob- 
ably in  1846  or  1847. 

He  soon  began  to  take  part  in  the  prayer  meetings  and 
other  religious  services.    Being  gifted  in  prayer  and  exhor- 


282  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

tations,  he  soon  became  a  leader  in  the  devotional  meeting 
of  the  church. 

He  also  became  a  member  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance, 
and  took  an  active  part  in  extending  the  influence  of  that 
laudable  organization.  He  was  employed  to  lecture  on 
Temperance  throughout  the  State  of  Virginia.  While  lec- 
turning  in  the  counties  bordering  on  North  Carolina  he  was 
induced  to  speak  in  Milton  and  also  at  Chapel  Hill.  Here 
he  came  in  contact  with  Dr.  George  W.  Purefoy  and  Rev. 
John  Culpepper,  who  had  much  to  do  in  directing  his  early 
ministerial  life.  He  studied  English  and  Theology  with 
Dr.  Purefoy. 

Being  an  able  preacher,  his  services  were  eagerly 
sought  by  the  churches,  and  large  numbers  in  Chatham, 
jMoore,  Stanley,  Richmond  and  Anson  counties  were 
brought  to  Christ  under  his  preaching. 

Mr.  Stough  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was 
Miss  Ann  Eliza  Horton,  to  whom  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage February  25,  1851.  To  them  was  born  one  son, 
Frederick,  who  died  in  early  childhood.  Mrs.  Stough  died 
in  Shelby  on  the  9th  day  of  April,  1888. 

On  the  16th  of  April,  1889,  Mr.  Stough  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Walker  of  Port  Lawn,  South 
Carolina,  who  survives  her,  he  having  passed  away  on  the 
28th  of  December,  1909. 

Fie  was  an  untiring  student,  an  able  preacher,  a  loyal 
friend,  and  possessed  gifts  that  fitted  him  for  large  evan- 
gelistic work. 

JMr.  Stough's  ministerial  labors,  were  confined  to  North 
and  South  Carolina.  His  first  work  was  in  the  vSandy 
Creek  Association.    FTe  gradually  extended  his  work  south- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  283 

ward,  and  finally  settled  in  AVadesboro,  and  became  pastor 
of  a  small  church  in  that  town,  serving  country  churches 
at  the  same  time.  From  AA'adesboro  he  moved  to  Cheraw, 
S.  C,  where  he  served  as  pastor  for  a  short  time.  The 
Brown  Creek  churches  were  not  willing  to  lose  his  valu- 
able services,  therefore  he  returned  to  ]\Ietonville,  and 
later  became  pastor  in  ^Monroe,  where  he  served  several 
years.  During  this  pastorate  the  war  between  the  States 
commenced.  ^Ir.  Stough  was  an  ardent  Secessionist,  and 
took  an  active  part  in  raising  the  first  company  that  Union 
County  sent  to  the  Confederate  army.  It  was  understood 
that  he  would  be  chaplain  of  this  company:  but  on  account 
of  his  defective  vision  the  Governor  refused  to  commis- 
sion him.  He  went  with  the  company  into  the  army  as  a 
private.  His  company  was  mobilized  with  the  Thirty-sev- 
enth North  Carolina  Regiment.  Soon  after  the  regiment 
elected  him  chaplain,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  late 
in  1862,  when,  on  account  of  a  serious  throat  trouble,  he 
was  forced  to  resign.  His  throat  improved,  and  he  returned 
to  the  army  in  1863,  and  served  as  army  missionary  and 
colporter  until  late  in  1864,  when  the  return  of  his  throat 
trouble  compelled  him  to  retire  permanently  from  the  arm3^ 
On  the  first  of  January,  1865,  he  became  pastor  of  Flint 
Hill  and  Pleasant  A'alley  churches,  both  in  South  Carolina. 
Later  he  resigned  the  Pleasant  Valley  church  and  became 
pastor  of  Harmony  Church,  Chester  County,  S.  C,  in  con- 
junction with  Flint  Hill.  On  the  first  of  January,  1872,  he 
retired  from  the  Harmony  pastorate  to  give  the  whole  of 
his  time  to  Flint  Hill.  This  arrangement  continued  until 
December,  1875,  when  he  accepted  the  call  of  the  First. 
Baptist  Church  in  Shelby,  and  became  pastor  in  that  thriv- 


284  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

ing  town.  After  a  few  years  he  resigned  the  Shelby  church 
and  served  country  churches.  This  work  extended  through 
Rutherford,  Cleveland,  Gaston,  Lincoln  and  Robeson  coun- 
ties. 

After  Mrs.  Stough's  death  Mr.  Stough  moved  to  Lan- 
caster, S.  C,  and  became  pastor  of  Lancaster  and  Port 
Lawn  churches. 

In  1892  he  became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
in  Kinston.  Repeated  efforts  had  been  made  to  induce 
him  to  return  to  Flint  Hill.  In  the  fall  of  1894  the  mat- 
ter was  again  brought  to  his  attention.  He  accepted  the 
call,  and  on  the  first  of  January,  1895,  he  returned  to 
Flint  Hill  to  spend  his  declining  years,  where  he  had 
spent  his  prime. 

During  this  pastorate  he  organized  Oak  Grove  and 
Pineville  churches  out  of  Flint  Hill  membership. 

On  account  of  physical  infirmities  he  resigned  at  Flint 
Hill  October  31,  1902,  and  at  once  became  pastor  of  Pine- 
vdlle.  Oak  Grove  and  Pleasant  Valley. 

He  wrote  an  interesting  history  of  the  Flint  Hill  church, 
which  has  not  yet  been  published,  gave  Pineville  Baptists 
the  lot  on  which  Stough  Memorial  Church  now  stands, 
finally  induced  the  three  churches  that  he  was  serving  to 
call  pastors,  and  retired  from  the  active  ministry,  followed 
by  the  love  of  the  people  whom  he  had  so  faithfully  served, 
and  crowned  with  honor. 


Elder  John  Culpepper. 
~   Elder  Culpepper  was  born  in  Anson  County,  N.  C,  in 
A.  D.  1764.     His  father's  name  was  Samson  Culpepper,  a 


Union  Baptist  Association.  285 

man  of  moderate  means.  John^  his  son,  was  in  school  only- 
three  months.  After  his  marriage  and  the  birth  of  four 
children  he  spent  four  months  in  reading  Latin.  This  was 
all  the  schooling  that  he  ever  received.  When  young  John 
was  about  twenty  years  of  age  his  father  moved  to  Geor- 
gia. Here  John  soon  became  acquainted  with  Elder  Silas 
A'lercer.  Under  his  ministry  he  embraced  religion,  and 
was  soon  afterward  baptized  by  him.  He  soon  began  to 
preach  with  an  earnestness  and  success  that  have  seldom 
been  exceeded.  He  soon  returned  to  North  Carolina  and 
preached  in  the  churches  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Association, 
which  then  reached  to  Pee  Dee  River.  Extensive  revivals 
accompanied  his  preaching  wherever  he  went.  He  contin- 
ued these  labors  with  undiminished  zeal  and  effect  for 
several  years.  In  the  meantime  his  popularity  became  so 
great  that  his  misguided  friends  urged  him  to  become  a 
candidate  for  Congress,  as  the  only  means  of  preventing 
the  re-election  of  the  then  incumbent,  who  was  particu- 
larly distasteful  to  the  voters  in  that  part  of  the  district. 
To  this  course  he  unhappily  yielded ;  and  most  of  his  after 
life  was  spent  in  politics.  In  Congress  he  obtained  a  dis- 
tinguished reputation  for  consistency,  firmness,  and  disin- 
terested devotion  to  the  interests  of  his  country. 

During  this  time  he  continued  to  preach  the  true  doc- 
trines of  the  gospel,  but  it  was  with  greatly  diminished  zeal 
and  success.  About  ten  or  twelve  years  before  his  death 
he  retired  from  political  life,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
ministry  with  considerable  zeal  and  some  success,  but  far 
short  of  his  earlier  labors. 

For  several  years  he  was  agent  for  the  Baptist  State 
Convention  of  North  Carolina.     He  was  a  man  of  srreat 


286  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

energy  of  character,  his  motto  was  "wear  out,  but  never 
rust  out." 

Previous  to  the  division  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist 
Association  Elder  Culpepper  was,  for  a  number  of  years, 
one  of  the  most  efficient  ministers  of  the  Association. 
Afterward  he  was  a  leading  minister  in  the  Pee  Dee  Asso- 
ciation. 

In  the  seventy-sixth  year  of  his  age,  in  the  strong  exer- 
cise of  an  unwavering  faith,  at  the  house  of  his  son,  Elder 
John  Culpepper,  Jr.,  in  Darlington  District,  S.  C,  Elder 
Culpepper  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  graveyard  at  So- 
ciety Hill.  At  the  head  of  his  grave  may  be  seen  a  plain 
but  nice  marble  slab,  with  a  suitable  inscription. 


Elder  E.  L.  Davis. 

1813-1896. 

Elder  E.  L.  Davis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born 
in  Anson  County,  N.  C,  February  19,  1813.  His  child- 
hood was  spent  on  the  farm  without  any  educational  ad- 
vantages, or  religious  instruction,  except  what  his  mother 
gave  him.  In  his  eighteenth  year  he  Avas  converted.  About 
9  o'clock  on  the  day  of  his  conversion  he  found  himself  at 
the  house  of  one  of  his  brothers,  but  never  knew  where  he 
spent  the  preceding  night,  so  great  was  his  conviction.  He 
cut  three  notches  in  the  yard  paling  and  bade  his  brother 
good-bye,  saying  he  was  going  to  die,  and  that  he  was  lost. 
As  he  was  going  the  Lord  of  Glory  blest  him  in  the  par- 
don of  his  sins,  and  instead  of  telling  his  parents  that  he 
"was  doomed  to  eternal  woe  he  returned  shouting  the  praises 


Union  Baptist  Association. 


287 


ELDER  E.  E.  DAVIS. 


of  God.  At  the  time  of  his  conversion  he  felt  impressed 
to  preach  the  gospel,  but  thought  that  he  never  could  do 
so,  as  he  could  not  read,  and  scarcely  knew  his  letters. 
About  three  months  after  this  he  was  walkins:  near  where 


288  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

he  was  converted,  a  great  darkness  came  over  him,  and  he 
heard  a  voice  as  if  some  one  had  spoken  to  him,  saying: 
"Behold  the  people  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd,"  and  in 
the  same  connection,  "Go  preach  my  gospel."  From  that 
time  he  began  to  try  to  learn  to  read.  On  the  first  Sunday 
in  September,  1830,  he  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of 
Lawyer  Springs  Church,  Anson  County,  by  Elder  John 
Culpepper,  Sr.  In  April,  1831,  he  began  preaching,  and 
continued  in  the  active  ministry  for  sixty  years.  He  was 
unable  to  do  much  work  for  about  five  years  before  his 
death,  but  up  until  this  time  he  was  one  of  the  most  active 
preachers  in  this  State. 

During  the  long  period  of  his  ministry  many  thousands 
were  brought  to  Christ.  He  was  a  great  evangelist  for 
his  day,  and  if  he  were  living  today  he  would  be  the  equal 
of  any  we  know.  He  was  a  preacher  of  the  purest  gospel. 
He  was  not  learned  in  books,  but  he  knew  God's  word,  and 
was  not  afraid  to  preach  it.  He  used  it  with  such  telling 
eft'ect  that  he  was  caled  Broad  Axe  Davis.  He  hewed  to 
the  line  wherever  it  might  be.  His  natural  endowments 
were  far  above  the  average  man.  He  was  very  witty,  and 
had  a  wonderful  knowledge  of  history,  and  was  a  great 
judge  of  men.  Judge  Ash  once  said:  "Had  he  been  edu- 
cated he  would  have  been  the  first  man  in  North  Carolina." 
He  was  an  educated  man,  but  not  a  college  man.  He  was 
self-taught,  and  his  great  intellect,  his  wonderful  oratory, 
and  natural  endowment  with  an  uncommon  amount  of  good 
horse  sense  made  him  one  of  the  leading  preachers  of  his 
day. 

He  was  very  humane.  His  heart  was  as  big  as  the  suf- 
ferings of  men,  and  vet  he  was  fearless  when  it  came  to  the 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association,  289 

place  where  he  needed  to  denounce  sin.  He  gave  it  no  quar- 
ters at  all.  His  wonderful  oratory  with  his  intense  con- 
viction made  it  powerful  for  him  to  let  go  at  anything  he 
disliked.  His  voice  was  as  clear  as  a  bell,  and  he  could 
be  heard  speaking  for  a  great  distance.  He  could  see 
farther  into  a  man  than  his  faults.  He  would  not  endorse 
sin,  but  was  as  tender  toward  an  erring  brother  as  a  mother 
when  he  saw  that  he  was  sorry  for  his  wrong.  He  loved 
mankind,  and  especially  suffering  humanity.  In  many  in- 
stances he  has  been  known  to  give  the  last  cent  he  had  to 
poor  women  and  children.  In  the  fall  of  1865  he  was 
traveling  in  Anson  County,  and  met  a  widow  with  four 
children  with  bare  feet.  The  ground  was  covered  with 
frost.  Her  husband  had  been  killed  in  the  war.  and  she 
was  left  destitute.  He  had  just  ten  dollars.  This  he  gave 
to  her  to  buy  shoes  for  herself  and  children.  About  four 
miles  from  there  he  met  a  man  with  whom  he  had  a  short 
conversation,  and  as  thev  were  parting  the  man  said : 
"Something  tells  me  that  I  ought  to  give  you  something." 
He  gave  him  ten  dollars.  He  gave  more  to  the  gospel  than 
he  ever  received.  !Many  of  his  churches  paid  him  no  sal- 
ary at  all. 

As  a  neighbor  he  was  among  the  best  earth  affords.  He 
was  married  four  times,  and  no  man  was  ever  a  truer  hus- 
band. As  a  father  he  was  indulgent  and  kind,  as  a  pastor 
he  was  faithful  and  -fatherly.  He  did  not  make  many  vis- 
its, but  had  his  regular  places  to  stop.  \\^e  cannot  criticise 
him  for  this,  because  this  new  idea  that  a  preacher  must 
go  everywhere  and  acquaint  himself  with  all  the  modern 
gossip  is  not  biblical.  In  many  instances  it  is  ruinous  to 
a  considerable  degree. 

19 


290  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

There  were  some  remarkable  periods  in  his  history.  In 
1856  there  were  more  than  three  hundred  persons  brought 
into  the  churches  under  his  ministry.  On  one  occasion  he 
offered  fourteen  pubHc  prayers,  and  there  were  seventeen 
professions  of  faith.  In  1871  he  preached  a  sermon  at 
Polkton  that  moved  one  hundred  and  twenty  persons  to 
offer  themselves  for  prayer.  Sixty  of  these  joined  the 
church.  On  another  occasion  during  the  same  year  he 
preached  a  sermon  on  "The  Return  of  the  Prodigal,"  and 
eleven  professed  while  he  was  preaching.  At  the  close  of 
a  sermon  in  1887  he  remarked  that  some  one  was  convicted. 
Afterwards  several  were  baptized  at  that  place  who  dated 
their  conviction  to  that  sermon.  He  never  preached  with- 
out making  a  trip  to  the  cross.  Like  Paul,  he  desired  to 
know  nothing  but  Christ  and  him  crucified.  In  1872  he 
attended  the  Baptist  State  Convention  at  Warrenton.  There 
for  the  first  time  he  met  and  heard  Dr.  John  A.  Broadus, 
who  spoke  on  the  subject  of  "Christian  Education."  El- 
der Davis  followed,  taking  for  his  subject,  "Covet  Ear- 
nestly the  Best  Gifts."  Many  of  those  who  heard  it,  among 
whom  were  Drs.  Broadus,  Bailey  and  Pritchard,  said  it 
was  the  most  powerful  speech  they  ever  heard.  He 
preached  before  the  Pee  Dee  Association  in  1865  and  1866. 
Rv.  John  Monroe  was  present.  Elder  Davis  had  not  been 
preaching  but  a  short  time  when  Elder  Monroe  stood  upon 
his  feet  and  for  a  few  minutes  a  great  shout  went  up  to 
heaven. 

It  would  take  a  large  volume  to  tell  all  about  him,  of 
the  good  he  has  done,  the  wonderful  revivals  he  held,  the 
w^idows  he  fed,  the  orphans  he  clothed,  and  many  other 
noble  deeds  he  performed.  In  conclusion,  let  us  say,  as 
was  said  of  Abel  of  old,  though  dead,  yet  speaketh. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  291 

Elder  Joel  Gullege. 
1771-1861. 

Elder  Joel  Gullege  was  born  in  1771.  We  have  not 
been  able  to  learn  just  where  nor  the  place  of  his  conver- 
sion, ordination,  etc.  The  only  thing  we  have  been  able 
to  determine  about  his  early  life  that  throws  any  light  upon 
the  probable  place  of  his  raising  is  the  fact  that  he  entered 
a  large  tract  of  land  in  Anson  County  at  a  very  early  age. 
This  land  lay  around  Deep  Creek  Church.  There  was  no 
church  there  when  he  entered  the  land,  and  since  the 
church  was  organized  in  1798  is  it  not  likely  that  he  was 
raised  near  there?  He  gave  the  four  acres  of  land  that 
the  church  now  owns,  and  it  is  likely  that  he  was  the  first 
preacher  in  that  section.  He  assisted  in  the  organization 
of  Deep  Creek  Church.  He  was  the  first  pastor  of  this 
church,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  learn,  and  served 
here  for  more  than  forty  years.  He  was  loved  by  both 
whites  and  blacks. 

»       He  was  pastor  of  Meadow  Branch  from  1836-1838.    He 
received  twenty-five  dollars  a  year   for  his   services. 

He  was  twice  married.  The  first  marriag€  was  to  Miss 
Zilpha  Huntley.  To  this  union  nine  children  were  added, 
'five  boys  and  four  girls.  His  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Sellers, 
who  was  a  Miss  Smith.  No  children  were  added  to  this 
union.  His  body  sleeps  in  an  old  graveyard  near  Deep 
Creek  Church.  The  following  is  carved  upon  his  tomb- 
stone :    "The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not  want." 


292 


History  ob"  the  Brown  Creek 


Dr.  J.  B.  Richardson. 

Dr.  James  B.  Richardson  was  born  in  Moore  County, 
N.  C,  June  16,  1839.  He  was  the  son  of  Elder  Noah 
Richardson,  a  Baptist  preacher  of  great  power  and  influ- 
ence. He  entered  Wake  Forest  in  1857  and  was  baptized 
by  Dr.  Wingate  while  there.  He  graduated  in  1861  and 
was  ordained  in  1862,  his  father,  Rev.  John  Minson,  and 


DR.  J.  B.  RICHARDSON. 


Rev.  B.  G.  Covington  acting  as  presbytery.  His  ordination 
took  place  at  Lilesville,  N.  C,  where  he  was  pastor  until 
he  entered  the  civil  war,  but  he  was  soon  discharged  be- 
cause of  ill  health.  He  came  back  to  Anson  County  after 
being  discharged  and  took  up  his  pastorate  again  and 
taught  school  in  connection  with  his  work.  Ble  taught  a 
public  school  for  the  benefit  of  the  children  of  the  soldiers 


Union  Baptist  Association.  293 

who  were  in  service  at  that  time.  Soon  after  the  war  he 
was  married  to  Aliss  Mary  Ahce  Liles,  of  Lilesville,  N.  C, 
who,  with  three  daughters  and  one  son,  survive  him. 

About  the  year  1867  Dr.  Richardson  was  called  to  Ab- 
bott's Creek  Church  as  pastor  and  teacher  of  a  high  school. 
Other  churches  soon  called  him  as  pastor.  He  first  taught 
in  the  church  and  later  a  large  brick  building  was  erected 
at  Teaguetown,  some  two  miles  from  the  church,  and  he 
taught  there  until  the  close  of  1870.  The  school  was  largely 
attended  and  a  great  success.  He  had  under  his  instruc- 
tion in  this  school  four  young  men  studying  for  the  min- 
istry, by  name  J.  A.  White,  R.  W.  Crews,  G.  W.  Harmon 
and  Thomas  Carrick.  In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1871 
he  moved  to  High  Point,  where  he  was  pastor  and  teacher 
for  one  session.  In  the  spring  of  1871  he  became  pastor 
of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Greensboro,  then  only  a 
struggling  band,  and  a  new  house  of  worship  was  erected 
by  his  heroic  efforts,  and  the  weak  church  was  much 
strengthened. 

In  1874  Dr.  Richardson  was  elected  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary of  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  His  work  in  this 
new  field  was  very  trying"  in  many  particulars.  He  served 
as  Secretary  for  four  years  efficiently  and  faithfully,  pre- 
paring the  way,  in  large  measure,  for  the  future  useful- 
ness of  the  State  Mission  Board. 

After  he  resigned  the  secretaryship  of  the  convention 
he  served  churches  in  many  parts  of  the  State.  He  re- 
turned to  the  school-room  about  the  year  1880,  and  for 
some  time  taught  in  High  Point  with  Major  Lynch,  but 
kept  up  his  work  as  pastor  of  churches.  He  continued  in 
the  work  of  the  ministrv  until  two  or  three  vears  before  his 


294  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

death,  then,  because  of  dechning  heaUh,  with  deep  regret, 
and  very  rekictantly,  he  gave  up  his  churches,  preaching 
only  occasionally,  as  he  felt  his  physical  strength  would 
permit.  Dr.  Richardson's  best  loved  work  in  the  closing 
years  of  his  life  was  teaching  a  large  class  of  grown-up 
persons  in  Green  Street  Baptist  Church  Sunday  School. 
The  work  of  teaching  this  class  was  faithfully  and  lov- 
ingly kept  up  until  the  end  came. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Wake 
Forest  College  from  1873  until  his  death,  and  always  felt 
the  keenest  interest  in  the  work  and  success  of  the  college. 
He  remembered  the  college  in  his  will  to  the  amount  of 
$500.00,  especially  to  be  used  for  building  a  fireproof  vault 
for  keeping  the  papers  and  records  of  the  college  safely. 

He  loved  the  Thomasville  Baptist  Orphanage  and  erected 
a  library  building  for  that  institution  in  memory  of  his 
father  and  mother.  He  left  the  Orphanage  $1,000.00,  to 
be  an  endowment  fund  for  keeping  up  the  library  building 
and  for  the  purchase  of  new  books. 

Dr.  Richardson  needed  to  be  well  known  to  be  fully 
appreciated.  Being  a  cautious  man,  he  was  sometimes 
misunderstood  by  his  brethren,  but  he  was  no  pessimist, 
but  a  fine  balance  wheel  to  the  over-zealous  optimist.  As 
a  teacher  he  was  equal  to  the  best.  He  was  at  home  in 
the  school-room.  He  was  a  preacher  of  ability  and  in 
great  demand  as  pastor.  As  pastor  he  did  much  preaching 
by  the  fireside  and  was  a  welcome  guest  in  the  homes  of 
his  people.  The  children  loved  him  and  he  taught  them 
to  call  him  "Uncle  Him."  As  a  citizen  he  was  easily  one 
of  the  first  in  High  Point,  where  he  lived  for  more  than 
forty-one  years.  He  was  a  man  of  afifairs,  and  managed 
well  his  business. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  295 

Brother  Richardson  ahvays  preferred  to  preach  to 
small  churches.  He  declined  several  calls  to  prominent 
places  to  serve  small  mission  stations. 

He  served  the  following-  churches :  Abbott's  Creek, 
Waughtoness,  High  Point,  Greensboro,  Thomasville.  A/[a- 
rion,  Catawba,  Shelby,  Linw^ood,  L^aksville,  Spray,  Ran- 
dleman,  Ramsuer,  Silver  City,  ^Matthews  and  Meadow 
Branch. 

He  w^as  pastor  of  Meadow  Branch  when  Wing-ate  High 
School  was  begun,  and  we  must  say  that  he  did  much 
towards  its  establishment.  He  called  it  his  child.  He  is 
loved  and  honored  here  by  all  who  knew  him. 

He  did  not  do  very  much  literary  work.  The  only 
thing  we  have  been  able  to  secure  is  two  tracts.  Scriptural 
Baptish  and  The  Place  of  Baptism  in  the  Scriptures.  These 
are  very  strong  tracts,  and  show  considerable  learning. 
He  was  a  great  sermonizer,  but  never  wrote  a  book. 

Brother  Richardson  died  September  7,  1912.  Pie  ate 
his  dinner  as  usual  that  day.  but  passed  off  before  the  even- 
ing meal  was  served.  He  died  sitting  in  his  chair  in  front 
of  his  office. 


Sketches  of  Life  and  Labors  of  Rev.  G.  O.  Wilhoit.. 
The  sketch  of  this  narrative  was  born  in  Alamance 
County  the  19th  day  of  ^lay,  1840.  Plis  parents  moved  to 
Stanly  County  December  28,  1850,  where  he  received  a 
common  school  education,  and  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  a 
course  in  English  under  Prof.  Lineberry.  As  early  as  1858 
he  was  engaged  in  teaching,  and  followed  this  vocation 
during  fall  and  winter  for  man^^  years,  closing  his  career 


296  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

as  teacher  or  as  Professor  of  English  in  the  Ansonville 
High  School. 

At  the  age  of  22  years  he  joined  the  Confederate  States 
army  as  a  member  of  Company  C,  42d  N.  C.  He  made 
a  profession  of  religion  July  28,  1863,  and  was  baptized  in 
August  following  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Camp,  an  army  mission- 
ary at  Kinston,  N.  C,  and  received  a  certificate  of  bap- 
tism, which  was  received  by  Silver  Spring  Church.  During 
those  trying  times  the  lives  of  many  waxed  cold.  A  few 
tried  to  walk  in  the  footprints  of  the  Lord.  In  the  winter 
of  1863  two  men  of  the  42nd  N.  C.  were  shot  for  deserting, 
viz.,  Goodwin  Hinson  and  a  Mr.  Barclay.  These  men  asked 
G.  O.  Wilhoit  to  become  their  spiritual  adviser,  which  he 
did,  notwithstanding  the  regiment  had  for  their  chaplain 
the  Rev.  S.  J.  Hill. 

The  3d  of  June,  1864,  G.  O.  Wilhoit  was  made  a  pris- 
oner of  war  at  Coal  Harbor  and  carried  to  Elmira,  N.  Y., 
where  he  acted  as  Missionary  Colporter  during  his  confine- 
ment, which  lasted  thirteen  months.  The  war  over  and 
we  impoverished,  the  church  disheartened,  made  it  hard  to 
inspire  our  people.  The  church  gave  him  a  hearty  welcome 
and  made  him  feel  more  than  ever  that  he  wanted  to  be  a 
worker  for  the  Lord.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  May, 
1867,  and  was  ordained  December  the  same  year  by  C.  C. 
Foreman,  S.  P.  Alorton  and  A.  E.  Bennett.  Ebenezer,  now 
Badin,  was  his  first  pastorate,  and  then  soon  after  Silver 
Springs  called  him  in  the  midst  of  confusion,  while  the 
church  was  discussing  the  propriety  of  withdrawing  fel- 
lowship from  a  people  called  Red  Strings.  For  five  years 
this  young  warrior  led  these  people  to  higher  plans  of  liv- 
ing and  a  greater  degree  of  usefulness.     Since  that  time 


Union  Baptist  Association.  297 

he  has  served  many  of  the  most  useful  churches  in  Stanly 
County. 

From  October,  1890,  he  served  the  Albemarle  First 
Church  to  December,  1892,  finding  it  with  six  members 
and  leaving  it  with  twenty-six. 

He  also  baptized  the  first  persons  baptized  into  the 
fellowship  of  a  Baptist  church  in  Albemarle.  Soon  after 
the  civil  war  Rev.  A.  E.  Bennet  organized  a  Baptist  church 
at  Red  Hill  Schoolhouse  as  an  arm  of  the  Rocky  River 
Church  of  the  Brown  Creek  Association.  In  1872  Rev. 
G.  O.  Wilhoit  took  charge  of  the  work  here  and  in  a  short 
time  more  than  fifty  additions  were  received.  The  church 
is  now  known  as  a  prosperous  country  church.  In  1876 
he  became  a  citizen  of  Anson  County  and  served  many 
prominent  churches  as  pastor,  especially  along  the  line  of 
the  Seaboard  Railroad,  Lilesville,  Polkton,  Peachland, 
Marshville  and  Wingate.  He  was  a  resident  of  Marshville 
for  nearly  six  years,  during  which  time  the  present  church 
building  was  erected.  During  his  stay  in  Marshville  he 
was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  Olive  Branch  Church,  where 
his  services  were  greatly  blessed  in  keeping  the  church  in 
fellowship.  One  of  the  deacons  expressed  it  thus :  "He 
won't  let  us  fuss."  Says  he  enjoyed  working  with  such 
men  as  J.  A.  Bivens,  J.  S.  Bennet,  A.  Marsh  and  A.  C. 
Davis.  But  the  work  being  over,  he  returned  to  his  old 
.  home  field  at  Ansonville  and  took  up  the  work  like  he  was 
just  beginning.     The  following  are  pastorates  he  held: 

In  Stanly  County — Ebenezer  (now  Badin),  Silver 
Springs,  Palmerville,  Kendalls,  Howard's  Grove  (now  ex- 
tinct), Big  Lick,  Center  (now  Norwood),  Albemarle,  the 
first  church.     Anson  County — Rocky  River,  Rocky  Mount, 


298  History  of  the  BRo^yN  Creek 

Red  A'lill,  Ansoiiville,  Brown  Creek,  Lilesville,,  Gum 
Springs,  ]\It.  Beulah,  Deep  Creek,  Alt.  Olive.  Polkton, 
Peachland,  Cedar  Grove.  Union  County — Alarshville, 
Aleadow  Branch,  Olive  Branch.  Alontgomery  County — 
Mt.  Gilead,  Bethel,  Hamer  Creek. 


Rev.   John   James   Beasley. 

John  James  Beasley  was  born  October  1,  1844.  on  his 
father's  plantation  at  Alasonboro  Sound,  near  Wilmington. 
X.  C.  Here  his  childhood  and  boyhood  were  spent.  His 
father,  Richard  Beasley,  was  a  large  land  and  slave  owner, 
a  man  of  strong  character,  fine  physique,  and  one  who 
stood  high  among  his  fellowmen.  His  mother  w^as  Miss 
Rebecca  George,  a  woman  full  of  good  deeds,  and  a  leader 
in  her  community,  as  well  as  a  devoted  mother.  Although 
long  gone  to  her  reward  her  good  deeds  have  not  been 
forgotten.  For  many  years  their  home,  ty])ical  of  the 
Southern  land  owner  at  that  time,  was  a  center  of  hospi- 
tality. 

Like  many  other  men  of  his  age,  Air.  Beasley  was  de- 
prived of  the  privilege  of  college  education.  When  the 
cruel  war  between  the  States  came  on  and  a  cry  to  arms 
was  raised  he  had  just  reached  his  sixteenth  year,  and  w^as 
away  from  home  at  school,  hoping  to  receive  his  education. 
But  he  went  out  at  his  country's  bidding,  and  those  who 
know  his  record  in  arms  sa}^  that  he  shrank  from  no  duty. 
Although  a  mere  lad,  he  was  made  a  sergeant,  and  on  the 
afternoon  of  January  9,  1864,  while  on  duty  in  the  trenches 
near    Petersburg,    he    received    in    that    deadly    conflict    a 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association. 


299 


REV.   J.   J.   BEASLET. 


wound  which  gave  him  pain  to  the  clay  of  his  death,  and 
which  probably  hastened  his  death. 

As  Mr.  Beasley  reached  his  majority  and  emerged  into 
manhood  he  gave  himself  to  his  Savior  and  buckled  on  the 
gospel  armor.     In  his  twenty-first  year  he  professed  faith 


300  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

in  Christ,  was  baptized  in  the  church  of  his  fathers,  and 
began  a  career  of  exceptional  purity  and  Christian  earnest- 
ness. Ardent  in  his  emotions,  decided  in  his  views,  sin- 
gularly pure  in  his  impulses,  frank  in  his  deportment  and 
unusually  fervid  in  his  beliefs,  it  was  not  a  matter  of  sur- 
prise that  in  the  lapse  of  years  he  should  grow  greatly 
in  zeal  for  the  advancement  of  his  Master's  kingdom. 
Year  by  year  his  zeal  for  his  Master's  gladness,  in  the  new 
birth  for  souls,  was  fanned  warmer  and  warmer  until  his 
twenty-ninth  year  was  reached,  and  he  felt  he  recognized 
the  inward  call  of  the  spirit  seemed  to  move  him  toward 
the  field  white  already  for  the  harvest.  With  promptness 
and  gladness  of  heart  he  responded  to  the  call  and  was 
ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  in  the 
Cape  Fear  Association.  At  the  time  of  his  death  Rev.  D. 
M.  Austin  said  of  him :  "I  do  not  feel  that  I  say  too  much 
of  Mr.  Beasley  when  I  say  that  his  Christian  record  for 
faithfulness  to  duty  and  purity  in  motive  is  unsurpassed 
by  any  one." 

In  December,  1880,  he  moved  to  Monroe  and  went  to 
work  with  churches  in  destitute  sections,  and  in  all  these 
places  he  was  successful  in  the  Lord's  work.  There  are 
many  people  in  Union  County  today  who  were  baptized 
into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  by  him.  At  the  time 
of  his  death  A-Ir.  Beasley  was  pastor  of  Shiloh  Church, 
supply  for  ]\Ieadow  Branch.  He  also  held  pastorates  in 
Cedar  Creek  Church,  in  the  Pee  Dee  Association,  and 
Masonboro,  in  New  Hanover,  the  latter  being  the  church 
in  which  he  was  reared. 

On  April  12,  165,  he  was  happily  married  to  Miss  An- 
-±oinette  Montford   of  Hertford   County,   a   woman   of  the 


Union  Baptist  Association.  301. 

most  pronounced  Christian  type,  whose  interest  was  cen- 
tered in  her  home  and  children.  One  who  was  always 
ready  and  willing  to  ease  the  sufferings  of  the  unfortu- 
nate and  one  who  exhibited  great  interest  in  her  com- 
munity, neighbors  and  friends.  After  the  death  of  her 
husband  the  duty  of  caring  for  and  advising  her  children 
rested  upon  her.  She  was  very  fond  of  readng,  and  sur- 
rounded herself  with  good  books  and  magazines,  and  could 
quote  the  Bible  with  great  accuracy.  To  them  five  chil- 
dren were  born,  one  of  whom  died  when  quite  young.^ 
The  others  are  Messrs.  G.  M.  and  R.  F.  Beasley,  Airs.  D. 
B.  Snyder  and  Mrs.  Brooks  Myers. 

Mr.  Beasley  died  at  his  home  in  Monroe  on  August  3, 
1886,  of  an  internal  hemorrhage,  the  result  of  a  wound 
received  during  the  war.  His  death  was  unexpected,  and 
cast  a  gloom  over  the  entire  community  in  which  he  lived. 
Many  friends  gathered  to  sympathize  with  his  weeping 
household  and  pay  a  tribute  to  his  memory.  They  knew 
him  well.  He  was  too  open  of  heart  and  frank  of  speech 
to  be  unknown.  There  was  little  uncertain  about  him',  as 
he  had  opinions  and  the  courage  to  express  them. 

In  writing  an  obituary  of  him  Rev.  P.  R.  Law,  at  that 
time  Presbyterian  minister  in  Monroe,  said  of  him :  "Mr. 
Beasley  was  not  a  highly  educated  man,  as  was  true  of 
many  a  brave  Southern  boy.  When  the  cry  'to  arms'  was 
raised  he  rushed  into  the  ranks,  and  through  all  that  san- 
guinary struggle  of  the  war  between  the  States  he  bi- 
vouacked, marched  and  fought  alongside  the  truest  and 
bravest  of  the  brave.  Although  a  contestant  on  a  hundred 
fields  of  blood  and  carnage,  he  never  shirked  a  duty,  proved 
recreant  to  a  trust,  or  faltered  in  the  face  of  danger.   Whem 


302  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

the  cruel  war  was  over  and  he  retunned  to  his  desolate 
East  Carolina  home  he  bore  a  battle-scarred  body  and  a 
soldierly  record  back  of  which  his  State  shares  a  pride 
and  which  his  children  prize  and  cherish  as  a  legacy  of 
imperishable  memory.  But  these  were  years  when  he 
should  have  gotten  his  education.  Entering  the  strife  a 
hoy  he  emerged  from  it  a  man,  and  returned  to  his  native 
heath  to  find  it  devastated  by  the  march  of  destroying  ar- 
mies. Yet  he  preached  well,  the  Lord  blessed  his  labors 
and  churches  prospered  under  his  pastoral  care.  His  ef- 
ficiency grew  with  the  passing  years,  and  the  last  years 
were  his  most  useful  ones.  The  source  of  his  strength 
was  the  fervid  character  of  his  piet}'. 

"A  patriotic  soldier  in  war,  a  faithful  citizen  in  peace, 
a  loyal  neighbor,  a  self-sacrificing  father,  a  devoted  hus- 
hand  and  a  Consecrated  Herald  of  the  cross  has  gone  to 
his  reward.  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord. 
Yea,  saith  the  spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors 
and  their  works  do  follow  them." 


Rev.   David  A.   Snider. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Monroe,  May 
8,  1844,  and  passed  away  at  Wingate  just  as  the  sun  was 
going  down  May  13,  1907.  The  exact  site  of  his  birth 
cannot  now  be  pointed  out.  but  it  was  some  yards  north 
of  where  the  oil  mill  now  is.  For  many  years  the  identity 
of  the  place  was  indicated  by  some  apple  trees  which  were 
on  the  old  homestead. 

When  some  two  years  old  the  father  of  young  David, 
•desirous  of  good  farm  land,  bought  a  good  farm  on  Beaver 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association. 


303 


REV.   D.   A.   SNIDER. 


Dam  Creek  and  moved  his  family  to  it,  and  it  was  there 
that  David  A.  Snider  grew  to  manhood.  The  house  in 
which  he  was  sheltered  and  matured  still  stands,  though 
so  changed  as  not  to  resemble  much  the  original.  How- 
ever, much  of  the  surroundings  remain  the  same,  notably 


304  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

the  orchard  trees  from  which  the  boy  gathered  fruit,  and 
in  whose  shade  the  youth  played  and  "rested."  Here  the 
youth  worked  on  the  farm,  doing-  all  that  came  to  hand 
both  summer  and  winter.  It  is  said  by  those  who  knew 
him  that  he  showed  the  same  features  of  character  in  his 
work  on  the  farm  that  he  later  put  into  the  ministry — 
earnestness  and  fidelity  to  duty.  He  had  two  older  broth- 
ers, and  doubtless  looked  to  them  in  matters  of  the  farm. 
For  a  long  time  his  father  was  unable  to  give  attention  to 
the  farm,  but  gave  directions  from  his  bed.  Young  David 
and  his  brothers  had  such  a  reverence  for  their  father  that 
they  did  not  take  advantage  of  his  sickness,  but  obeyed 
him,  and  carried  out  his  instructions  in  regard  to  farm 
work. 

Like  all  boys  who  came  along  at  that  time,  his  school 
advantages  were  limited.  Maple  Springs  was  the  school 
wdiich  he  attended.  His  father,  however,  mastered  gram- 
mar and  arithmetic  at  home,  and  so  was  of  great  help  to 
his  children  in  the  matter  of  their  school  work.  At  the 
time  when  he  should  have  been  in  school  he  was  called 
into  military  service,  and  after  he  returned  it  was  too  late. 
More  than  that,  it  was  all  that  people  could  do  to  live. 

Thaleroy  says  that  it  takes  three  generations  to  make  a 
man.  This  writer  cannot  go  that  far  back  into  the  ances- 
try of  David  A.  Snider,  but  all  through  his  life  it  was 
manifest  that  he  had  three  good  generations  upon  which 
to  grow,  for  he  was  a  man.  The  Avriter  knows  nothing  of 
his  ancestr}^  except  his  father  and  mother.  His  father  was 
Rev.  Solomon  Snider  and  his  mother  was  Elizabeth  Wind- 
cofif.  His  father  was  of  the  Dutch  extraction,  but  it  is 
not  known  to  the  writer  what  extraction  belonged  to  his 


Union  Baptist  Association.  305 

mother.  His  mother  died  when  he  was  jnst  a  youth, 
though  he  had  distinct  recollections  of  her.  His  father 
was  a  striking  preacher  of  his  time,  and  was  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  INIissionary  Baptists  when  the  Baptists  sep- 
arated on  the  question  of  missions.  David  had  two  broth- 
ers, Stadly  and  Phillip,  and  four  sisters,  Mary,  Jane,  Ann 
and  Elizabeth,  the  last  dying  when  a  child.  All  of  these 
preceded  him  to  the  other  world. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  young  David  was  called  into 
military  service,  where  he  remained  for  two  years  and  a 
half.  He  was  in  some  of  the  bloodiest  battles,  but  came 
home  with  no  scar  on  his  body.  In  the  war  he  had  many 
close  comrades,  for  whom  he  had  the  feeling  of  brother 
as  long  as  he  lived.  Exposure  to  cold  in  the  war  possibly 
made  him  a  target  of  much  suffering  later  in  life.  He 
thought  so.  It  all  was  so  distasteful  that  after  that  he 
did  not  like  blue  clothes  or  to  hear  a  bugle.  He  once 
related  in  the  home  circle  a  dream  which  he  had  just  be- 
fore he  left  home  for  the  war.  He  dreamed  that  he  was 
very  hungry  and  that  he  roasted  and  ate  his  own  feet. 
He  related  the  dream  to  his  father  before  leaving  home. 
The  interpretation  by  the  father  was  that  his  boy  would 
suffer  hunger  during  his  absence  from  home. 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  war  he  married  Miss 
May  Ann  Liles.  He  built  a  very  humble  home  just  across 
Beaver  Dam  from  his  father's,  where  he  lived  until  some 
six  years  before  his  death.  There  were  born  to  him  and 
his  wife  nine  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  living  except 
George  Culpepper,  who  died  in  infancy.  His  wife  was  a 
true  helper.  She  was  thoroughly  in  sympathy  with  him 
in  his  church  work.     She  made  it  possible  for  him  to  do 

20 


306  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

the  large  work  that  he  did  by  directing  home  affairs. 
Death  claimed  his  companion  January,  1891.  He  was  mar- 
ried again  to  Airs.  IMittie  Bivins,  to  whose  union  was  born 
one  child. 

It  was  while  he  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  that  he  was 
converted.  He  was  not  specially  inclined  to  "relate  his 
experience,"  but  I  remember  that  he  made  reference  to  it 
once  in  a  sermon,  and  said  that  he  was  sitting  on  a  rail  pile. 
My  impression  is  that  conviction  came  largely  from  read- 
ing the  New  Testament.  Only  a  few  days  ago  I  heard 
one  of  his  comrades  say  that  every  time  he  had  a  chance 
he  would  read  his  Testament.  He  did  not,  I  think,  offer 
himself  for  membership  until  he  came  home.  I  presume 
that  he  was  baptized  by  the  then  pastor  of  Faulks  Church. 

Having  begun  preaching  in  1870,  he  was  ordained  to 
the  full  work  of  the  ministry  by  a  presbytery  consisting  of 
Rev.  J.  L.  Bennett,  Rev.  J.  W.  Phifer  and  the  deacons  of 
Faulks  Church  May  4,  1872.  I  have  heard  him  say  that 
his  father  wrote  his  ordination  papers. 

He  began  his  ministry  under  dififiiculties,  such  as  a 
growing  family,  poverty,  the  lack  of  training,  and  the  dis- 
tance to  his  churches.  Frequently  on  Saturday  morning 
he  would  rise  by  daybreak  and  plow  until  breakfast,  and 
then  he  would  saddle  his  horse  for  a  twenty  mile  ride. 
Monday  morning  would  find  him  so  tired  that  he  could 
scarcely  go  to  the  plow,  but  necessity  was  on  him,  and  he 
went.  Later  he  went  to  his  churches  on  a  "sulky,"  the 
first  of  which  he  secured  from  his  companion  in  the  min- 
istry, Rev.  J.  L.  Bennett,  but  during  the  laters  years  of 
his  life  he  traveled  in  buggy.     . 


Union  Baptist  Association.  307 

Along  with  Rev.  J.  L.  Bennett  he  was  a  church  builder. 
I  recall  that  he  took  part  in  organizing  at  least  Hopewell, 
Marshville  (then  Grove  Springs),  Oak  Grove  and  Moun- 
tain Springs.  Many  of  the  churches  which  he  served  were 
twenty  miles  from  home,  and  so  in  serving  them  there 
was  exposure  to  heat  and  cold,  deep  water  and  mud.  This 
affected  his  health  very  much  in  his  latter  years. 

As  a  preacher  David  A.  Snider  measured  up  to  his 
times.  He  was  heard  with  delight  and  profit  by  all  classes. 
He  was  a  close  student  of  the  Bible,  and  quoted  Scriptures 
as  but  few  can.  He  studied  the  Old  Testament  prophecies 
very  closely  and  applied  them  in  a  helpful  way  to  our  times. 
The  elements  of  effectiveness  in  his  preaching  were  grasp 
of  subject,  honesty  in  dealing  with  the  Bible,  earnestness 
of  delivery,  and  transparency  of  soul.  At  his  best  he  could 
stir  the  soul  as  fine  preachers,  and  he  stirred  the  soul  in 
the  right  place. 

Behind  the  preacher,  however,  was  the  man.  In  his 
rearing  he  had  the  advantage  of  a  Christian  home  and  the 
ministry  of  a  good  church.  The  moral  atmosphere  which 
he  breathed  was  as  pure  as  the  atmosphere  on  the  hills  of 
Beaver  Dam.  His  sense  of  honesty  and  of  justice  was 
unusually  pronounced.  His  soul  lived  in  the  white  light 
of  truth,  and  every  man  was  entitled  to  the  consideration 
of  brother.  He  was  close  in  feeling  for  the  poor  and  un- 
fortunate, and  often  he  would  not  press  collections  because 
of  his  sympathy  for  the  struggling.  He  loved  the  truth, 
and  therefore  had  conviction.  Ilis  conviction  was  as  strong 
as  a  rock,  and — was  he  courageous?  Well,  ask  the  older 
people  who  sat  under  his  ministry. 


308  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

He  had  pleasant  and  helpful  associates  in  the  ministry, 
those  who  were  older  and  those  who  were  about  his  age. 
Some  of  the  older  ones  were  Edmund  Davis,  John  W. 
Davis,  John  King,  Elam  \yilliams.  Some  of  the  ones  in 
his  class  as  to  age  were  J.  L.  Bennett,  J.  A.  Bivins,  A.  C, 
Davis  and  R.  H.  James. 

David  A.  Snider  lived  to  see  his  children  settled  in 
homes  of  their  own.  Three  of  his  sons  are  now  ministers 
— John  W.,  Joel  S.,  and  Erastus  C.  Two  of  his  sons — 
Brady  and  Niece — are  in  business  in  Monroe.  Ellis  is  in 
railroad  service.  His  two  daughters — Martha  and  Minnie 
— are  happy  housekeepers.  Virdie,  a  daughter  of  the  sec- 
ond marriage,  is  a  student  in  Cornell  University.  His 
widow  lives  with  her  son  in  Salisbury. 

Some  six  years  before  his  death  David  A.  Snider  left 
his  old  home  on  Beaver  Dam  and  moved  to  Wingate.  This 
made  it  possible  for  his  youngest  child  to  attend  school 
and  be  at  home.  A  year  or  more  before  his  translation  he 
became  aware  that  he  had  an  incurable  disease.  This  fact 
seemed  to  increase  his  desire  to  preach.  Often  he  yielded 
to  this  impulse  when  his  strength  was  too  limited  for  him 
to  continue  his  work,  but  idleness  had  never  been  his  bread, 
and  he  refused  to  eat  it  to  the  very  last.  I  am  told  that 
his  last  preaching,  though  done  in  much  weakness,  was 
characterized  by  power.  Evidently  he  knew  that  he  was 
not  far  from  the  gate  soon  to  open  to  let  him  in  from 
weakness  and  suffering. 

So  it  was  on  May  13,  1907,  just  as  the  sun  went  down, 
David  A.  Snider,  known  and  loved  by  hundreds,  was  trans- 
lated. He  was  sitting  in  his  chair  on  the  porch  of  his 
home   when   the   Master   said,   "Friend,   come   up   higher." 


Union  Baptist  Association.  309 

After  a  farewell  service  in  Faulks  Church,  in  the  presence 
of  possibly  a  thousand  people,  he  was  laid  to  rest  by  the 
wife  of  his  youth  to  await,  as  he  often  said,  the  resurrec- 
tion, a  doctrine  in  which  he  so  much  glorified. 


A.  B.  Caudle. 

Archie  Benjamin  Caudle  was  born  near  Old  Lanes- 
boro,  Anson  County,  North  Carolina,  on  July  24,  1845. 
He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Rev.  Allen  Caudle  and  wife, 
Mary  Caudle.  His  early  years  were  spent  upon  the  farm, 
securing  such  education  as  the  public  schools  of  the  county 
at  that  time  afforded.  This  was  supplemented  by  one  or 
more  years  at  a  military  school  at  Old  Hillsboro,  North 
Carolina.  On  September  16,  1861,  at  the  age  of  17  years, 
he  voluntarily  enlisted  in  the  military  service  of  the  South- 
ern Confederacy,  and  became  a  member  of  Company  D, 
Thirty-seventh  Regiment.  He  continued  in  military  serv- 
ice until  the  close  of  the  war.  On  November  8,  1865,  he 
was  happily  married  to  Mary  E.  Liles,  daughter  of  David 
N.  Liles  and  wife  of  Union  County,  North  Carolina.  He 
engaged  in  farming  in  Anson  County  and  in  teaching  in 
the  public  schools  in  the  county.  He  removed  to  Monroe, 
North  Carolina,  in  1875,  shortly  after  the  construction  of 
the  old  Carolina  Central  Railroad  to  that  point.  He  en- 
gaged in  merchandising  for  a  number  of  years,  and  subse- 
quently entered  the  profession  of  photography.  In  this 
profession  he  continued  until  1893.  Shortly  after  his  re- 
moval to  Monroe  he  became  a  member  of  the  Baptist 
Church  at  that  place,  and  was  zealous  and  active  in  all  of 


310 


History  op  the  Brown  Creek 


ELDER  A.   B.    CAUDLE. 


its  affairs.  He  was  Church  Glerk^  Treasurer  and  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Deacons  for  a  number  of  years.  From 
about  1880  to  1891  he  taught  a  Sunday  School  class  of 
young  men.  He  dedicated  himself  to  this  work  with  in- 
tense devotion.     This  class  was  the  largest  in  the  Sunday 


Union  Baptist  Association.  311 

School  and  the  writer  recalls  the  splendid  enthusiasm  which 
existed  among  its  members.  The'  Baptist  Teacher  was  the 
Sunday  School  book  used  in  teaching  this  class.  This  book 
was  wisely  edited,  and  far  surpassed,  in  the  writer's  opin- 
ion, the  book  bearing  a  similar  title  which  is  now  published. 
These  books  were  bound  by  him  in  annual  volumes,  cover- 
ing a  period  of  about  ten  years  or  longer,  which  the  writer 
now  holds  as  the  most  precious  memories  of  his  devoted 
father.  These  books  continued  to  be  an  important  section 
of  his  library  to  the  date  of  his  death.  He  took  much  per- 
sonal interest  in  the  lives  of  each  member  of  his  class,  and 
a  splendid  spirit  of  fellowship  existed  between  teacher  and 
student. 

In  1888  he  invented  and  secured  a  patent  upon  a  burglar 
alarm  and  sash  lock.  The  sale  of  this  invention  was  suc- 
cessfully prosecuted  over  a  large  territory. 

In  1889  or  1890  Rev.  Thomas  Leitch  conducted  a  revival 
meeting  at  Alonroe.  This  revival  was  promoted  by  and 
participated  in  by  all  the  denominations  of  the  town.  Unu- 
sual interest  was  stimulated,  and  the  public  conscience  was 
intensely  aroused.  The  revival  was  conducted  in  a  large 
livery  stable,  at  that  time  owned  by  Mr.  E.  M.  Griffin,  and 
its  capacity  was  taxed  at  every  service.  Toward  the  close 
of  the  meeting,  at  one  of  the  morning  services,  Mr.  Caudle 
requested  leave  to  make  an  announcement.  He  ascended, 
the  platform  and  stated  that  for  many  years  he  had  resisted 
a  call  to  the  ministry.  In  resisting  the  persuasive  admoni- 
tions to  enter  the  ministry  he  stated  that  he  had  entered 
into  a  covenant  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  event  that  he 
should  be  successful  in  the  commercial  promotion  of  his- 
invention.      Success  having  been   achieved,   he  had   deter- 


312  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

mined  to  observe  his  pledge.  This  was  the  first  intimation 
which  his  family  had  received  of  his  intention.  He  imme- 
diately began  to  devote  himself  to  the  task  which  he  had 
assumed.  He  was  ordained  in  the  Baptist  Church  at  Mon- 
roe, North  Carolina,  in  1891.  In  so  far  as  the  writer  can 
learn  he  was  the  first  and  the  last  member  of  this  church  to 
enter  the  ministry. 

Among  his  first  pastorates  was  Waxhaw,  North  Caro- 
lina. He  held  this  pastorate  from  1891  to  1899.  So  thor- 
oughly devoted  was  he  to  these  people  that  he  decided  to 
move  his  family  to  Waxhaw  in  1893.  He  held  the  pasto- 
rates of  Mount  Pleasant,  Mount  Harmony,  Herman,  Mace- 
donia, Sardis,  Mountain  Springs  and  Pleasant  Valley,  in 
York  County,  South  Carolina.  He  organized  Herman  and 
Sardis  churches,  and  promoted  the  organization  of  Moun- 
tain Springs. 

Contemporaries  in  the  ministry  among  the  country 
churches  were  Reverends  Snyder,  Bennett,  Marsh,  Davis, 
Little  and  Bivens.  All  these  were  strong  men,  and  deep 
and  strong  were  the  foundations  laidn  by  them  for  the  Bap- 
tist denomination  in  Union  County.  Neither  laid  claim  to 
much  in  the  way  of  ministerial  education,  but  all  were  stu- 
dents of  the  Bible,  strong  in  faith  and  determined  in  effort. 
Few  counties  in  the  State  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to  have 
their  country  churches  equipped  with  such  men.  Indeed, 
the  writer  knows  of  no  other  county  that  has  had  such  a 
galaxy  of  strong  ministers  native-born.  The  work  and 
labors  of  these  men  will  find  their  influence  for  successive 
generations. 

Under  the  influence  of  Mr.  Caudle's  ministry  a  large 
number  of  young  men  of  Union  and  Anson  counties  dedi- 


'     Union  Baptist  Association.  313 

cated  their  lives  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  These  he 
called  his  "boys,"  and  to  them  he  manifested  unusual  devo- 
tion, and  each  well  deserved  the  affection  which  he  mani- 
fested toward  them.  He  believed  in  an  educated  ministry. 
He  disapproved,  however,  of  the  tendency  of  a  large  num- 
ber of  ministerial  students  to  forsake  the  country  fields  for 
town  and  city  pastorates.  He  was  of  the  opinion  that  the 
country  churches  w^hich  gave  birth  to,  nourished  and  equip- 
ped the  younger  members  of  the  ministry,  were  too  fre- 
quently forgotten  and  neglected.  In  this  opinion  the  writer 
concurs.  Moreover,  the  present  method  of  educating  our 
ministerial  students  is  seriously  productive  of  evil  conse- 
quences. Poise  and  manhood  are  the  outgrowth  of  indi- 
vidual struggle.  A  sense  of  personal  responsibility  among 
all  young  men  should  be  excited,  and  where  there  is  little 
struggle  there  is  more  than  apt  to  be  a  one-sided  develop- 
ment. When  the  ministerial  student  is  taught  from  en- 
trance into  the  ministry  that  he  is  a  public  ward  and  denom- 
inational beneficiary  he  is  mighty  apt  to  lose  those  incentives 
which  are  essential  to  his  mental  growth.  Four  years  at 
Wake  Forest,  with  upkeep  and  expenses  provided,  and  a 
similar  period  at  the  Seminary,  wrongfully  withdraws  from 
the  ministerial  student  the  element  of  struggle  and  self- 
development  essential  for  himself  and  for  every  other  stu- 
dent. In  our  liberality  toward  our  ministerial  students  we 
do  them  a  serious  injustice.  The  very  best  that  is  in  men 
can  not  have  its  full  growth  without  battling  with  the  nat- 
ural problems  of  life.  The  result  is  that,  in  many  instances, 
our  young  men  see  only  one  side  of  life,  know  nothing  of 
the  problems  of  the  other,  and  both  poise  and  broad  con- 
ception suffer  impoverishment  by  reason  of  the  easy  condi- 
tions provided  for  their  educational  development. 


314  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

In  1897  Mr.  Caudle  moved  from  Waxhaw  to  Wingate. 
He  was  active  in  the  promotion  and  development  of  the 
Wingate  School.  He  dedicated  his  energies  and  influence 
to  its  welfare.  In  1892  he  removed  to  Wadesboro,  North 
Carolina.  In  the  Pee  Dee  Association  he  held  the  pastorates 
at  Morvem,  Gum  Springs,  Brown  Creek,  Polkton,  Mount 
Beulah  and  other  churches.  He  was  the  original  promoter 
of  the  Gum  Springs  Special  School  Tax  District,  which  was 
organized  largely  as  a  result  of  his  efforts.  This  school  is 
now  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  has  been  of  incalculable 
benefit  to  that  section  of  Anson  County. 

A  few  years  prior  to  his  death  he  was  elected  evangelist 
for  the  Pee  Dee  Association.  In  the  prosecution  of  this 
work  he  exerted  his  best  endeavors.  He  was  at  all  times 
evangelistic  in  his  minis-try,  and  this  work  was  suited  to  the 
natural  trend  of  his  gifts. 

For  a  period  of  eight  to  ten  months  prior  to  his  death  he 
was  practically  an  invalid,  suffering  with  sclerosis  of  the 
liver.     On  November  19,  1908,  he  entered  into  rest. 

Upon  the  granite  slab  that  marks  his  grave  may  be  read 
this  inscription :  "God  buries  the  worker,  but  carries  on  the 
work." 

Left  surviving  were  his  devoted  wife,  four  daughters, 
Mesdames  J.  G.  Winfield,  D.  V.  Mauney,  H.  M.  Lilly  and 
J.  E.  Garrison,  and  one  son,  T.  L.  Caudle. 


Elder  J.  A.  Bivens. 

One  of  the  best  known  and  most  beloved  men  in  L'^'nion 
County  is  Elder  Joseph  A.  Bivens,  familiarly  known  as 
"Uncle  Joe."      Not  only  is   he  known   and   loved   by  the 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association. 


315> 


ELDER  J.   A.    BIVENS. 


people  of  his  own  denomination,  but  by  the  people  of  other- 
denominations  as  well. 

He  was  born  in  Union  County,  North  Carolina,  Janu- 
ary 29,  1838,  being  the  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Margaret 
Bivens.     His   father  died  when  he  was  about  eisfht  years 


316  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

old,  leaving  the  mother  to  provide  for  a  family  of  four- 
teen children.  That  she  succeeded  well  is  very  evident  by 
the  high  character  and  lofty  ideals  of  her  children. 

"Uncle  Joe"  testifies  that  it  was  under  her  instructions 
that  he  gained  his  fi'rst  knowledge  of  heaven  and  had  kin- 
dled in  him  a  desire  to  go  there.  However,  he  was  no 
exception  to  the  rulo,  in  that  he  resisted  the  call  to  repent- 
ance and  did  not  finally  yield  until  he  was  about  eighteen. 

He  was  converted  in  a  series  of  meetings  held  by  Elder 
E.  L.  Davis  with  the  Meadow  Branch  Church,  and  was 
baptized  by  him  int(v  the  fellowship  of  the  church  at  the 
close  of  the  meeting. 

On  October  26^  i858,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Thetus 
Griffin,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  H.  Griffin.  To  this 
union  five  children  were  born,  all  of  whom  are  living  at  this 
writing. 

In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  53rd  North  Carolina 
Regiment,  and  made  as  true  a  soldier  as  ever  wore  the  gray 
until  May,  1864,  when,  in  the  Cold  Harbor  stampede  in 
Virginia,  he  sustained  a  wound  that  necessitated  the  am- 
putation of  his  right  arm. 

Coming  home  maimed  in  body,  but  not  in  spirit,  he 
soon  took  up  the  work  of  the  ministry,  a  work  to  which 
lie  had  felt  called  before,  and  the  neglect  of  which  he  felt 
had  cost  him  his  right  arm.  He  preached  his  first  sermon 
in  Meadow  Branch  Church  in  October,  1866.  However, 
so  reserved  was  he  that  he  refused  to  accept  ordination  for 
about  six  years.  Finally  his  ordination  took  place  in  the 
Meadow  Branch  Church  May  11,  1872.  The  certificate  of 
ordination  states  that  the  presbytery  found  him  sound  in 
faith  and  orthodox  in  practice.  The  certificate  is  signed  by 
Elders  E.  L.  Davis,  D.  A.  Snyder  and  Jesse  Phifer. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  317 

During  his  ministerial  life  he  has  served  the  following- 
churches  : 

In  Union  County — Bethel,  Benton's  Cross  Roads,  Cor- 
inth, Ebenezer,  Faulks,  Hopewell,  Hamilton's  Cross  Roads, 
Jerusalem  (now  extinct),  New  Hope,  New  Salem,  Oak 
Grove,  Olive  Branch,  Roanoke,  Union  and  Mt.  Moriah. 

In  Anson  County — Deep  River,  Mount  Olive,  Mineral 
Springs  and  Piney  Grove  (now  Polkton). 

In  Cabarrus  County — Howels. 

In  Chesterfield  County,  S.  C. — Elizabeth,  Spring  Hill 
and  Wolf  Pond. 

Pie  served  the  Deep  Creek  Church,  in  Anson  County,, 
eleven  years,  and  five  years  of  that  time  twice  a  month. 

His  longest  pastorate  was  with  Bethel  Church,  where 
he  stayed,  all  told,  thirty  years.  One  does  not  have  to 
mingle  with  that  people  long  to  find  that  he  has  indelibly 
stamped  himself  upon  their  minds  and  hearts. 

We  hear  a  great  deal  today  about  the  meager  salaries 
paid  preachers.  However,  the  poorest  paid  today  receive 
much  more  than  some  of  our  best  country  pastors  received 
fifty  years  ago.  He  relates  that  on  one  occasion  he  served 
a  church  nineteen  miles  from  home,  and  at  the  expiration 
of  the  year  received  three  dollars  in  money  and  four  Awards- 
of  home-made  cloth.  However,  he  was  not  working  for 
money  but  for  souls,  and  how  well  he  has  succeeded  in  win- 
ning them  to  Christ  eternity  alone  will  reveal. 

Contrary  to  the  judgment  of  many  of  his  brethren,  he 
has  always  contended  that  he  could  not  preach  much.  How- 
ever well  he  may  have  preached  it  is  undoubtedly  true  that 
much  that  he  has  accomplished  has  been  due  to  his  efforts 
outside  of  the  pulpit.     He  has  been  the  John  among  us,. 


318  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

following  closely  after  the  Master,  and  always  ready  for 
any  service  He  might  bid  him  render.  For  three  years  a 
soldier  in  the  cause  of  the  Confederacy,  for  forty-eight 
years  a  pastor  of  churches,  and  for  fifty-two  years  a  min- 
ister of  the  gospel,  he  still  lives,  and  bears  testimony  to  the 
saving  power  of  Christ. 


-o 


Elder  Zeb  Caudle. 

Rev.  Zeb  Caudle  was  born  in  Anson  County,  North  Car- 
olina, April  9,  1893.  When  quite  a  young  man  he  was  con- 
verted while  in  his  home,  and  was  baptized  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  Deep  Springs  Baptist  Church  by  Rev.  E.  C. 
Snider.  He  became  an  active  church  worker,  taking  great 
interest  in  Sunday  School  and  church  work  in  general.  For 
a  number  of  years  he  was  superintendent  of  the  Sunday 
School  and  leader  of  the  choir  in  his  home  church.  As 
God  always  calls  a  busy  man,  he  laid  his  hand  upon  Brother 
Caudle.  In  July,  1915,  Deep  Springs  Baptist  Church  lib- 
■erated  him  to  exercise  his  gifts  in  public,  and  on  Sunday, 
April  8th,  a  presbytery  composed  of  Rev.  R.  H.  James,  the 
pastor,  Rev.  T.  P.  Little,  and  Rev.  R.  M.  Haigler  set  him 
apart  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

The  first  pastorate  of  this  young  preacher  was  at  Cedar 
Grove,  in  the  Chesterfield  Association,  South  Carolina.  Al- 
though Brother  Caudle  has  not  been  in  the  pastorate  but 
a  few  years,  he  has  served,  and  is  serving  very  acceptably, 
the  following  churches :  Cedar  Grove,  in  the  Chesterfield 
Association ;  Deep  Springs  and  Mount  Zion,  in  the  Union 
Association,  and  Clear  Creek,  in  the  Mecklenburg  and  Ca- 
harrus  Association. 


Union  Baptist  Association. 


319 


REV.  ZEB  CAUDLE. 


Brother  Caudle  attended  school  at  Roseboro,  and  is  now 
at  the  Wingate  High  School  for  further  preparation.  He 
is  a  young  man  of  natural  abilities  for  a  preacher,  and 
bright  prospects  lie  out  before  him.  We  recommend  him 
to  the  fellowship  and  co-operation  of  the  brotherhood. 


320  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Elder  Reuben  H.  James. 

Elder  R.  H.  James  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  char- 
acters reared  in  this  country.  The  difficulties  he  has  over- 
come and  the  wonderful  success  he  has  attained  ought  to 
be  a  wonderful  stimulus  to  all  the  young  preachers  of  our 
Association  today. 

He  was  born  August  10,  1846,  in  Union  County.  His 
father  was  James  James,  his  mother  Annie  Poole  James. 

He  was  left  without  a  father  at  the  age  of  five.  He 
never  saw  him  any  more.  The  mother  was  left  with  a  fam- 
ily of  five  small  children  to  provide  for,  and  the  small  estate 
left  by  his  father  greatly  involved,  so  much  so  that  it  had 
to  be  sold  to  satisfy  the  creditors.  This  done,  they  were 
without  any  means  of  support.  The  only  thing  they  could 
do  was  to  labor  for  their  daily  bread.  Labor  was  scarce 
at  this  time,  and  wages  were  very  low,  so  all  this  made  it 
real  hard  for  the  mother  to  feed  her  little  ones. 

As  soon  as  young  Reuben  was  old  enough  to  nurse  chil- 
dren his  mother  hired  him  out  to  do  little  jobs  about  the 
house  and  to  care  for  little  ones.  This  relieved  the  over- 
taxed mother  to  some  extent,  but  this  did  not  give  the 
family  the  support  the  people  around  them  thought  they 
ought  to  have,  and  as  orphan  children  could  be  taken  away 
from  their  mothers  in  those  days  and  bound  out  the  officers 
came  for  little  Reuben,  and  possibly  more  of  the  children. 
They  were  carried  to  Monroe,  N.  C,  and  had  it  not  been 
for  the  persistent  efforts  of  the  mother  they  would  have 
been  given  other  homes,  but  she  gave  bond  for  their  mainte- 
nance and  carried  them  back  home  with  her. 

He  came  to  manhood,  as  he  expresses  it,  "through  many 
knocks  and  hardhsips."     It  is  wonderful  to  hear  him  tell 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association. 


321 


ELDER  R.  H.  JAMES. 


of  the  discouragements  he  had.  One  day  he  was  met  in 
the  road  by  a  man  who  took  his  Httle  much-worn  hat  off 
of  his  head,  tore  it  to  pieces  and  threw  it  down.  But  this 
all  did  not  conquer  his  dauntless  courage. 

21 


322  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  joined  the  Confederate  army. 
He  was  a  member  of  Company  I,  53rd  North  CaroHna 
Regiment.  He  served  here  until  June  9,  1864,  when  he 
was  taken  prisoner  and  carried  to  Washington,  D.  C.  While 
here  he  suffered  from  a  violent  attack  of  typhoid  fever. 
When  able  to  be  about  he  was  paroled,  and  finally  was  on 
the  exchange  list.  He  was  not  able  to  get  out  until  the 
following  October.  After  he  was  sent  back  to  the  Confed- 
erates he  was  given  a  furlough  home.  This  was  a  great 
relief  to  him,  and  after  a  rQst  of  three  months  he  returned 
to  the  army,  where  he  remained  in  service  until  the  surren- 
der in  the  spring  of  1865. 

On  December  30,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Elvie 
Austin,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jonathan  Austin.  To 
this  union  seven  children  were  added,  and,  we  are  glad  to 
say,  they  are  all  living.  Reuben  James  was  first  convicted 
of  sin  May  8,  1864,  while  administering  aid  to  a  dying 
kinsman  on  the  battle  field.  But  he  knew  nothing  about  the 
Bible,  he  had  never  been  to  Sunday  School,  he  had  never 
heard  much  preaching,  so  he  did  not  know  how  to  seek 
the  Lord.  He  ignored  the  Lord's  call  until  September, 
1865.  At  this  time  he  was  attending  a  meeting  at  Harmony 
A-Iethodist  Church,  near  the  location  of  Marshville,  N.  C. 
During  this  meeting  he  was  enabled  to  trust  the  Lord.  He 
offered  himself  for  church  membership  at  once,  but  he  did 
not  know  what  he  was  doing.  He  had  never  read  anything 
about  what  denominationalism  means.  He  knew  nothing 
of  creeds,  nor  did  he  understand  the  difference  between 
the  churches.  He  just  joined  because  he  felt  that  he 
ought  to. 


Union  Baptist  Association.  323 

During  1868  he  built  a  stand  near  the  present  site  of 
Pleasant  Hill  Baptist  Church.  Here  he  heard  the  gospel 
for  the  first  time  as  Baptists  understand  and  preach  it.  At 
once  he  realized  that  he  was  wrong,  so  at  the  close  of  this 
meeting  he,  with  nineteen  others,  were  baptized  in  the  river 
not  far  from  the  present  church.  This  was  the  beginning 
of  Pleasant  Hill  Baptist  Church. 

It  was  not  long  after  his  baptism  until  he  felt  called  of 
God  to  preach.  His  church  licensed  him  July,  1870.  He 
says  at  this  time  he  could  not  read,  so  he  prayed  very 
earnestly  that  the  Lord  would  enable  him  to  read  his  word, 
and  as  a  result  of  this,  coupled  with  his  own  efforts,  he  soon 
became  able  to  read  the  Bible  intelligently.  The  brethren 
soon  saw  that  he  was  no  ordinary  man,  so  churches  began 
to  call  him  to  serve  them  as  pastor.  As  soon  as  he  began 
to  serve  churches  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  be  or- 
dained. Accordingly  a  presbytery  was  called,  and  after  a 
careful  examination  he  was  found  to  be  orthodox  and  was 
ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  July,  1872. 
He  has  served  th  efollowing  churches  in  Union  County : 
Red  Level  (now  extinct).  This  church  stood  near  where 
Corinth  Church  is  located ;  Shiloh,  Salem,  Oak  Grove, 
Waxhaw,  Hermon,  Sandy  Ridge,  Mount  Zion,  West  Mon- 
roe, North  Monroe,  Ebenezer,  Benton's  Cross  Roads, 
Roanoke,  Mill  Creek,  Pleasant  Hill,  Hamilton's  Cross 
Roads,  Faulks,  Philadelphia  and  Mountain  Springs. 

In  Mecklenburg  County  he  has  served :  Arlington,  In- 
dependenece  Hill,  Clear  Creek,  Pleasant  Plains,  Oliver 
Street,  iin  Charlotte,  and  Wilson's  Grove. 

In  Cabarrus  County  he  served  Howells  and  Chaney's 
Hill. 


324  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

In  Stanly  he  served  Big  Lick,  Canton,  Prospect,  Min- 
eral Springs,  Pleasant  Grove,  Locust  and  Smyrna. 

In  Anson  he  served  Cedar  Grove,  Deep  Springs  and 
New  Home. 

He  served  some  churches  in  South  Carolina,  viz. :  Cen- 
ter Grove  and  Mount  Pisgah. 

Four  of  the  above-mentioned  churches  were  planted  by 
his  efforts.  Those  are  x^rlington,  Chaney's  Hill,  West 
Monroe,  Cedar  Grove.  He  was  Moderator  of  the  Rocky 
River  Association  for  several  years,  and  assisted  in  the 
organization  of  the  ^Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus  at  old  Cold 
Water  Church  near  Concord.  He  gave  this  Association  its 
name.  He  did  not  enjoy  any  educational  advantages.  He 
attended  school  two  weeks  only,  but  he  has  become  quite 
a  scholar  along  his  line.  We  have  heard  many  remark  that 
it  is  a  real  pity  he  was  not  educated.  We  cannot  agree 
with  them.  ITe  possibly  has  done  more  good  situated  as 
he  is  educationally  than  he  otherwise  might  have  done. 

He  is  interested  in  education,  and  for  many  years  was 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  He  served  as  the 
financial  agent  for  some  time. 

He  is  one  of  the  warmest  friends  of  the  orphanage.  It 
is  wonderful  to  hear  him  present  the  claims  of  this  institu- 
tion. He  is  a  good,  easy  speaker,  and  his  flashes  of  wit 
and  humor  will  keep  any  congregation  awake. 

He  now  resides  with  his  youngest  son,  who  lives  near 
Ashboro,  N.  C. 

0 

We  are  very  sorry  indeed  that  we  are  not  able  to  give  a 
nice  sketch  of  the  life  of  Elder  Elias  J-  Fincher.     We  ar- 


Union  Baptist  Association. 


325 


BIDDER  S.  J.  FINCHER. 


ranged  with  Dr.  T.  J.  Taylor  to  write  this  for  us,  but  he  be- 
came so  feeble  that  he  was  not  able  to  prepare  it  for  us. 
Fincher's  name  appears  in  many  places,  and  since  many  of 
his  reports  to  the  Association  are  published  in  this  book,  we 


326  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

feel  that  the  man  may  be  greatly  remembered  and  honored 
though  no  ^etch  of  his  life  appears.  Yet,  we  are  very 
sorry  that  we  cannot  give  the  story  of  his  becoming  a  Bap- 
tist.—C.  J.  B. 

o 

Elder  Augustus  Marsh. 

Elder  Augustus  ]\Iarsh  is  a  native  of  Union  County, 
having  been  born  in  what  is  nown  Marshville  township,  Jan- 
uary 20,  1856.  His  early  life  was  spent  on  his  father's 
farm,  where  he  worked  during  the  spring,  summer  and 
fall  months,  and  attended  the  community  public  school  in 
the  winter  season.  Ele  was  converted  and  joined  Bethel 
Baptist  Church  in  1873. 

In  1876  he  was  happily  married  to  Miss  Zilphia  Rush- 
ing, daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reuben  and  Harriet  Rush- 
ing of  Union  County.  To  this  union  ten  children  were 
born,  five  boys  and  five  girls,  all  living  at  this  time. 

For  several  years  after  his  conversion  he  went-  along 
about  as  the  average  Christian  goes,  having  general  inter- 
est in  the  work,  but  laying  out  for  himself  no  definite  Chris- 
tian task.  He  relates  that  on  going  to  church  one  Saturday 
afternoon  the  pastor  did  not  come.  Several  gathered,  and 
after  waiting  for  a  while  they  all  dispersed  and  went  home. 
After  leaving  the  church  great  remorse  of  conscience  seized 
him.  He  felt  that  the  failure  of  the  pastor  to  come  was 
no  reason  why  they  should  not  have  had  service.  He  tried 
to  excuse  himself  on  the  ground  that  older  persons  were 
present  who  should  have  conducted  service,  but  his  con- 
science would  not  be  eased  by  such  argument.  From  this 
he  became  more  and  more  burdened  with  the  work  until 


Union  Baptist  Association.  327 

finally,  in  1883^  he  yielded  to  what  had  come  to  be  the 
unmistakable  leadings  of  the  spirit,  and  entered  the  min- 
istry. From  the  very  first  the  Lord  gave  evidence  of  his 
approval,  and  his  services  have  been  eagerly  sought  by  the 
churches.  The  spirit  is  often  with  him  to  a  very  marked 
degree,  and  at  such  times  his  appeals  are  almost  irresistible. 
He  has  also  made  for  himself  quite  a  reputation  as  a  per- 
sonal worker. 

He  has  served  the  following  churches  in  Union  County: 
Antioch,  Benton's  Cross  Roads,  Bethel,  Ebenezer,  Fairfield, 
Hamilton's  Cross  Roads,  Macedonia,  Marshville,  Mill 
Creek,  Mt.  Pleasant,  New  Hope,  North  Monroe,  Olive 
Branch,  Philadelphia,  Pleasant  Hill,  Roanoke,  Sardis,  Shi- 
loh.  Union  and  Union  Grove. 

In  Anson  County  he  has  served :  Deep  Springs,  New 
Home,  Rocky  Mount  and  Rocky  River.  At  the  age  of 
sixty-two  his  natural  force  has  not  abated  and  his  bow  still 
abides  in  strength. 


Erastus  C.  Snyder. 

Elder  Erastus  C.  Snyder  is  a  native  of  Union  County, 
having  been  born  in  Marshville  township  October  5,  1873. 
He  is  a  son  of  the  late  Elder  David  A.  Snyder  and  Mary 
Liles  Snyder.  His  family  has  produced  more  preachers 
than  any  family  in  the  county,  and  perhaps  in  the  State. 
The  early  years  of  Erastus  were  spent  on  his  father's  farm. 

At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  was  converted  in  a  meeting 
held  by  his  father  and  Elder  J-  L.  Bennett  with  Faulks 
Church,  and  was  baptized  by  the  latter.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-one  he  was  married  to  Miss  Maud  Hamilton,  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  A.  Hamilton. 


328 


History  op  the  Browx  Creek 


REV.    E.   J.   SNYDER. 


For  several  years  after  marriage  he  farmed  and  mer- 
chandized. Finally  he  was  shown  that  God  wanted  him  in 
another  line  of  work,  and  he  at  once  gave  up  all  secular 
pursuits  that  he  might  devote  himself  exclusively  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.     Meantime  he  had  accepted  the  pas- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  329 

toral  care  of  several  churches.  Union,  the  church  of  which 
he  was  a  member,  called  for  his  ordination,  and  in  October, 
1908,  he  was  examined  and  duly  set  apart  to  the  full  work 
of  the  ministry  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  pres- 
bytery. 

In  Union  County  he  has  had  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
following  churches :  Antioch,  Benton's  Cross  Roads,  Faulks, 
Mill  Creek,  Sandy  Ridge,  Sardis,  Shiloh,  West  Monroe, 
North  Alonroe,  Mountain  Springs,  Hopewell  and  Union. 

In  Anson  County  he  has  served :  Cedar  Grove,  Deep 
Springs,  Rocky  Mount,  New  Home,  Peachland  and  Min- 
eral Springs. 

In  Mecklenburg  County  he  has  served  Mount  Harmony. 
He  has  served  White  Plain  and  Mount  Pisgah,  in  South 
Carolina. 

In  addition  to  the  preaching  he  has  done  for  his  own 
people  he  has  preached  much  at  school  houses  and  out  of 
the  way  places.  He  has  also  assisted  many  neighboring 
pastors  in  evangelistic  meetings  on  their  fields.  For  two 
years  he  has  made  annual  detours  to  Georgia  to  engage  in 
evangelistic  work. 

For  several  years  he  has  been  chairman  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Wingate  School  and  has  contributed  lib- 
erally to  its  support. 

■ o • 

Elder  Jonah  S.  Simpson. 
Elder  Jonah  S.  Simpson  is  one  of  the  younger  pastors 
of  the  Association,  having  been  duly  set  apart  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  pres- 
bytery at  Benton's  Cross  Roads  Church  April  0,  1915.    For 


330  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

several  years  previous  to  his  entrance  into  the  ministry  he 
was  active  as  a  church  worker,  having  served  as  Superin- 
tendent of  Sunday  School,  Sunday  School  teacher,  and  in 
various  other  ways  had  shown  his  interest  in  the  cause  of 
Christ.  So  when  he  finally  declared  his  purpose  to  enter 
the  ministry  his  friends  who  were  closest  to  him  were  not 
surprised. 

Pie  received  his  education  in  Unionville  High  School 
and  Mars  Hill  College.  He  is  a  man  who  carries  a  big 
heart  in  a  small  body.  He  does  not  make  his  best  impres- 
sion first,  but  the  more  you  know  of  the  man  and  the  more 
'ou  hear  him  the  more  he  and  his  message  appeal  to  you. 
He  is  intensely  loyal  to  the  Bible,  Baptist  to  the  core,  and 
anxious  for  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  to  become  the  king- 
doms of  Christ. 

He  has  had  the  pastoral  care  of  Benton's  Cross  Roads, 
Hopewell  and  Olive  Branch. 


Elder  Lee  McBride  White. 

Elder  Lee  McBride  White,  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  at  Monroe  from  October,  1914,  to  March.  1917, 
was  born  in  Raleigh,  August  9,  1887.  He  is  a  son  of  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  J.  L.  White,  his  father  being  a  Baptist  preacher 
of  note.  After  holding  pastorates  in  Durham,  Elizabeth 
Citv  and  Asheville,  this  State,  Dr.  White  moved  to  Macon, 
Ga.  There  his  son,  Lee  McBride,  was  prepared  for  college 
in  the  Gresham  High  School.  In  the  fall  of  1904  he  entered 
Wake  Forest  College  and-  was  graduated  in  1908.  After 
leaving  college  he  taught  one  year  in  Beaufort,  N.  C.  In 
the  fall  of  i909  he  entered  Cornell  University,  where  he 


Union  Baptist  Association.  331 

specialized  in  English  literature  and  language  for  two  years. 
While  at  Cornell  he  was  assistant  instructor  in  English,  and 
the  second  year  was  awarded  the  scholarship  in  English. 

The  years  1911-12  he  was  instructor  in  English  in  the 
Memphis  University  School.  It  was  while  here  that  he  felt 
impelled  to  give  up  teaching  and  enter  the  ministry.  Feel- 
ing that  it  was  a  work  sufficiently  large  to  call  forth  the 
very  best  in  man,  he  entered  the  Southern  Baptist  Theo- 
logical Seminary  the  fall  of  1912.  At  the  expiration  of  one 
year  he  accepted  a  call  to  become  pastor  of  a  church  in 
Albany,  Ga.  There  he  remained  until  he  accepted  the  care 
of  the  church  in  Monroe.  While  at  iMonroe  he  was  assisted 
in  a  meeting  by  his  father.  Large  crowds  attended  and 
much  interest  was  manifested.  As  a  result  of  the  meeting 
about  fifty  were  added  to  the  church.  Under  his  progres- 
sive leadership  the  church  also  installed  a  pipe  organ  and 
added  several  Sunday  School  rooms  to  their  house,  at  a 
cost  of  several  thousand  dollars. 

On  leaving  Monroe  he  accepted  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church  of  Shelby,  N.  C.  From  there  he  went 
to  the  First  Church  of  Chester,  S.  C,  where  he  resides  at 
this  writing. 

His  sermons  give  evidence  of  being  prepared  with  care. 
They  are  logical  and  convincing  in  argument.  He  recog- 
nizes the  Lordship  of  Christ  and  endeavors  to  preach  in 
such  a  way  as  to  meet  approval. 


Elder  John  G.  Gulledge. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a  South  Carolinian,  havino- 
been  born  in  Darlington  County,  S.  C,  December  21,  1852. 


332  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Moving  to  this  State  in  early  life,  he  worked  as  a  farm 
hand  during  the  spring,  summer  and  fall  months,  and  at- 
tended the  public  schools  of  the  community  as  best  he  could 
during-  the  winter. 

o 

At  about  the  age  of  seventeen  he  professed  faith  in 
Christ  and  connected  himself  with  the  Mt.  Olive  Baptist 
Church.  Feeling  as  Paul,  that  "Woe  is  me  if  I  preach  not 
the  gospel,"  he  entered  the  ministry  in  the  fall  of  1886. 

In  December,  1889,  and  in  August,  1890,  he  held  a  meet- 
ing in  Hickory  Grove  school  house,  Marlborough  County, 
S.  C,  in  which  much  interest  was  manifested.  In  October 
following  a  church  was  organized.  He  at  once  became  its 
pastor,  serving  them  three  years,  and  traveling  a  distance 
of  eighty  miles  per  trip,  by  private  conveyance.  He  also 
served  in  Chesterfield  County,  S.  C,,  Liberty  Hill  and  Cross 
Roads  churches.  In  L'nion  County,  N.  C,  where  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  has  been  spent,  he  has  served  Benton's  Cross 
Roads,  Corinth,  Ebenezer,  Fairfield,  Pleasant  Hill,  Roan- 
oke, New  Salem,  Mt.  Moriah  and  Sardis. 

For  years  he  has  been  a  close  student  of  the  Bible,  as  it 
is  evident  by  his  preaching.  He  has  clear-cut  and  well- 
defined  views  on  our  great  doctrines,  and  preaches  them 
without  fear  or  regard  for  the  wishes  of  men.  His  out- 
spoken and  clear-cut  way  of  presenting  the  truth  has  called 
down  upon  his  head  the  criticism  of  some  who  are  less  bold, 
but  he  regards  more  highly  the  favor  of  God  than  the  com- 
pliments of  men. 
^  o 

Elder  A.  C.  Davis. 
Numbered  among  the  best  Biblical  preachers  produced 
hy  Union  County  during  the  days  of  reconstruction  imme- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  33S 

diately  following  the  Civil  War  is  Elder  A.  Culpepper 
Davis. 

He  was  born  July  12,  1853,  in  Union  County,  N.  C.,. 
being  the  son  of  Elder  and  Mrs.  E.  L.  Davis. 

In  early  boyhood  he  attended  during  the  winter  season 
such  public  schools  as  were  available  in  his  community  at 
that  time.  He  did  not  attend  school  very  much  after  he 
was  twelve  years  old.  * 

Ele  was  converted  in  a  meeting  held  by  his  father  with 
A/[eadow  Branch  Church  in  the  summer  of  1874.  He  was 
baptized  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  by  Elder  Covington,, 
who  had  assisted  in  the  meeting. 

He  at  once  felt  called  of  God  to  preach  the  gospel,  and' 
entered  upon  the  work  the  same  year. 

In  Union  County,  the  county  of  both  his  first  and  second 
birth,  he  has  served  the  following  churches :  Shiloh,  Hope- 
well, Mill  Creek,  Union,  Philadelphia,  Faulks,  Hamilton's- 
Cross  Roads,  Antioch,  Salem,  Pleasant  Hill,  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Macedonia,  New  Hope  and  Mt.  Moriah. 

In  Anson  County  he  has  served :  Mineral  Springs,  Mt.. 
Olive,  Brown  Creek,  Rocky  River  and  Rocky  Mount. 

He  has  served  in  Stanly  County :  Big  Lick,  Canton,. 
Barly's  Grove,  Anderson  Grove,  West  Albemarle,  Philadel- 
phia, Locus  and  Smyrna. 

In  Cabarrus  County  he  has  served :  Chanies  Hill,  How- 
els  and  Cold  Water. 

In  Mecklenburg  County  he  has  served:  Clear  Creek,. 
Pleasant  Plains  and  Hopewell. 

In  Chesterfield  County,  S.  C,  he  served :  Dudly,  Liberty- 
Hill  and  Hopewell. 


334  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

His  longest  pastorate  was  with  the  Big  Lick  Church  in 
Stanly  County,  where  he  served  for  fourteen  consecutive 
3^ears.  Judged  by  immediate  results  the  greatest  meeting 
he  ever  held  was  with  Shiloh  Church,  held  about  the  date 
of  1890,  when,  at  the  close  of  a  thirteen  days'  meeting, 
he  baptized  seventy-one.  Under  his  clarion  call  to  repent- 
ance hundreds  have  been  moved  to  forsake  the  broad  way 
and  take  upon  themselves  the  sacred  vows  of  the  Christian 
religion. 

His  preaching  shows  him  to  have  been  a  close  student 
of  the  Bible.  He  has  well-defined  views  of  its  doctrines. 
He  knows  well  the  great  distinguishing  doctrines  of  our 
denomination,  and  preaches  them  without  fear  or  favor. 

He  has  also  read  right  much  church  history,  besides 
having  done  a  great  deal  of  general  reading,  which  he  often 
uses  to  good  advantage  in  his  preaching. 

After  forty-four  years  of  public  service  he  writes  that 
he  is  still  on  the  firing  line,  where  he  hopes  to  remain  until 
called  home. 


Rev.  Hight  C.  Moore,  D.  D. 
Prominent  among  those  who  have  served  churches  in 
the  Union  Association  is  the  name  of  Rev.  Hight  C.  Moore, 
D.  D.,  who  was  pastor  of  the  First  Church  at  Monroe  from 
1894  to  1898.  Although  only  a  little  over  twenty-three 
vears  of  age  when  he  took  charge  of  the  church  there,  he 
did  his  work  wisely  and  well,  and  endeared  himself,  not 
only  to  his  own  congregation,  but  to  all  classes  and  denomi- 
nations of  the  town.  He  was  also  actively  identified  with 
all  the  work  of  the  Association,  co-operating  with  the  other 


Union  Baptist  Association.  335 

pastors  and  laboring  with  them  in  every  way  possible  for 
the  spread  of  the  Kingdom.  He  was  a  strong  advocator 
of  education,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  establishment 
of  the  Wingate  School.  His  many  friends  in  this  Associa- 
tion have  watched  with  much  interest  and  pride  the  success 
of  his  work,  and  the  frequent  calls  he  has  received  from  his 
denomination  to  broader  fields  of  usefulness,  and  will  no 
doubt  be  interested  in  a  short  sketch  of  his  life. 

Dr.  Moore  is  the  son  of  Patterson  and  Nancy  Moore, 
and  was  born  at  Globe,  Caldwell  County,  N.  C,  January 
28,  1871.  In  the  pious  home  of  his  parents  he  had  instilled 
into  his  life  the  principles  of  Christianity  and  true  manhood. 
At  Globe  Academy  he  received  his  preparation  for  college, 
and  graduated  at  Wake  Forest  in  1890.  On  the  twenty- 
fifth  anniversary  of  his  graduation,  1915,  his  Alma  Mater, 
Wake  Forest,  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity.  He  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry  at  Globe  Baptist  Church  on  October  26.  1890,  and 
soon  after  became  pastor  of  the  church  at  Morehead  City. 
He  went  from  there  in  1893  to  Brown  Memorial  Church, 
Winston-Salem,  and  after  serving  that  church  for  about  one 
year  came  to  Monroe.  In  1898  he  was  called  to  the  pas- 
torate of  the  First  Baptist  Church  at  New  Bern,  which  he 
served  for  about  five  years,  going  from  there  to  the  church 
at  Chapel  Hill.  In  1904,  at  the  call  of  the  Baptist  State 
Convention,  he  gave  up  the  pastorate  and  became  Sunday 
School  Secretary  for  the  State,  serving  in  this  capacity  for 
three  years,  and  then  one  year  as  Field  Secretary  of  the 
Sunday  School  Board  for  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 
On  February  1,  1908,  he  became  editor  of  the  Biblical  Re- 
corder, which  position  he  held  until  August  1,  1917,  when 


336  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

he  was  chosen  managing  editor  of  the  Sunday  School  Board 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  Nashville,  Tenn., 
which  position  he  now  (March,  1919)  holds.  He  has  been 
Recording  Secretary  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention 
since  1914.  In  all  of  these  positions  he  has  proved  himself 
a  consecrated,  efficient  and  faithful  worker,  and  his  labors 
for  the  Master  have  been  crowned  with  marked  success, 
and  have  resulted  in  untold  good. 

Dr.  Moore  is  a  gifted  writer,  and  has  contributed  much 
to  the  literature  of  the  State.  Among  his  publications  are 
"Seaside  Sermons,"  "Select  Poetry  of  North  Carolina," 
"The  Books  of  the  Bible,"  "The  Country  Sunday  School," 
"North  Carolina  Baptist  Handbook,"  "The  Man  of  Mark 
in  the  Church  Tomorrow,"  and  various  pamphlets. 

He  was  happily  married  to  Miss  Laura  Miller  Peterson 
of  Goldsboro,  N.  C,  May  2,  1893,  who  has  been  his  ardent 
sympathizer  and  constant  and  capable  helper  in  all  his  work. 
Their  only  son,  Joseph  P.  Moore,  having  enlisted  at  Ra- 
leigh, N.  C,  in  the  early  part  of  the  great  war,  was  among 
the  first  million  troops  to  be  sent  to  France.  In  the  broad 
domain  of  Dr.  Moore's  present  field  of  work  we  predict 
for  him  continued  success  and  even  greater  usefukiess  in 
the  spread  of  religious  truth. 


Rev.  John  A.  Wray. 

Rev.  John  A.  Wray,  son  of  William  Arthur  Wray  a;nd 

Ellen  Eliza  (Dameron)   Wray,  was  born  at  Shelby,  N.  C, 

February  5,  1872.    He  was  converted  white  quite  a  lad,  and 

united  with  the  Baptist  Church  at  Shelby.     He  was  pre- 


Union  Baptist  Association.  337 

pared  for  college  at  Shelby  Alilitary  Institute  and  by  private 
tutor. 

In  his  sixteenth  year,  the  year  in  which  his  parents 
moved  to  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  he  entered  Wake  Forest  Col- 
lege, and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1892.  He  after- 
wards did  post-graduate  work  at  Harvard  University  and 
the  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary. 

It  was  while  at  Harvard  that  he  surrendered  to  the  call 
to  preach.  He  was  licensed  in  July,  1893,  by  the  First  Bap- 
tist Church  of  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  and  on  August  5,  1894, 
after  having  received  a  call  to  become  pastor  of  Broad 
Street  Church  of  Winston,  N.  C,  he  was  ordained  by  the 
Knoxville  church,  Pastor  R.  R.  Acree  and  Doctors  M.  D. 
Jeffries,  J.  Pick  Powers  and  J.  H.  Snow  conducting  the 
service. 

In  addition  to  the  Broad  Street  pastorate  he  has  held 
the  pastorate  of  the  First  churches  in  the  following  places : 

Milledgeville,  Ga.,  Alexandria,  Va.,  Plant  City,  Fla., 
Live  Oak,  Fla.,  Miami,  Fla.,  and  Chickasha,  Okla. 

While  he  has  been  in  the  pastorate  continuously  for  the 
past  twenty-five  years,  he  has  also  attended  many  confer- 
ences, supplied  a  number  of  leading  pulpits  North  and  South 
during  vacation  periods,  and,  too,  has  done  a  great  deal  of 
evangelistic  work — having  held  meetings  in  many  of  the 
leading  churches  in  the  South.  For  two  years  he  was  also 
one  of  the  editorial  writers  on  the  "Florida  Baptist  Wit- 
ness." He  became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of 
Monroe  in  April,  1917.  During  the  first  year  the  large 
indebtedness  on  the  church  was  cancelled,  and  about  a  hun- 
dred new  names  were  added  to  the  church  roll. 

22 


338  History  op  the  Brown  Creek 

He  was  married  in  January,  1894,  to  Miss  Lucy  Plum- 
mer  Mills,  daughter  of  Prof.  L.  R.  Tvlills  of  Wake  Forest, 
N.  C.  They  have  six  children  living — three  boys  and  three 
girls. 

o 

Elder  Braxton  Craig. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Windsor,  Bertie 
County,  N.  C,  October  8,,  1863. 

He  was  educated  at  the  University  of  North  Carolina, 
1880-1884,  and  was  ordained  to  preach  November  16,  1889. 

His  first  pastorate  was  at  Ahoskie,  N.  C,  where  he 
served  from  1890  to  1895.  Besides,  he  has  held  successful 
pastorates  in  North  Carolina,  at  Tarboro,  Rocky  Mount, 
Mt.  Olive  and  Monroe.  He  was  also  pastor,  at  West  Nor- 
folk, Va.,  for  three  years,  and  has  been  on  his  present  field 
as  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Timmonsville,  S. 
C,  for  two  years. 

In  addition  to  his  work  in  the  pastorate  he  served  the 
Baptist  State  Mission  Board  of  North  Carolina  for  two 
years  and  with  the  Foreign  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention  in  raising  the  Judson  Centennial  fund 
for  three  years.  These  positions  were  filled  with  credit  to 
himself  and  denomination. 

He  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  missions,  as  in  all 
other  denominational  enterprises.  While  he  was  pastor  at 
Monroe  there  was  a  marked  increase  in  contributions  to 
missions  through  the  Association. 

He  also  possesses  evangelistic  gifts  that  are  widely  rec- 
ognized, and  his  services  are  constantly  sought  by  pastors 
wdio  are  anxious  for  revivals  in  their  churches. 


Uxiox  Baptist  Association.  339 

Elder  Thomas  P.  Little. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Union  County, 
N.  C,  January  16,  1863.  Coming  up  just  at  the  time  when 
the  South  was  passing  through  the  terrible  days  of  recon- 
struction, he  did  not  enjoy  many  school  advantages. 

He  was  convert-ed  in  a  meeting  held  by  D.  A.  Snyder 
with  the  Olive  Branch  Baptist  Church  in  September,  1883. 
Under  many  protests  on  his  part  he  was  constrained  by  the 
Spirit  to  enter  the  gospel  ministry  and  was  licensed  by  his 
church  in  1890.  Being  called  to  take  the  pastoral  care  of 
churches,  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry 
in  1892. 

In  Union  County  he  has  served :  Mt.  Pleasant,  Union, 
Philadelphia,  Antioch,  Pleasant  Hill,  Olive  Branch,  New 
Hope,  Hamilton's  Cross  Roads,  Sandy  Ridge  and  Fairfield. 

In  Anson  County  he  has  served :  Deep  Springs,  Peach- 
land,  Red  Blill,  Xew  Home,  Rocky  ^^lount  and  Brown 
Creek. 

He  also  served  for  several  vears  Pee  Dee  Church  of 
Rockingham,  in  Richmond  County. 

Just  as  he  was  beginning  to  get  himself  well  into  the 
work  he  was  stricken  with  typhoid  fever,  with  which  he 
lingered  for  many  days.  Finally  it  left  him  with  broken 
health,  which  has  terribly  handicapped  him  in  his  work, 
However,  he  is  suggestive  and  forceful  in  presenting  the 
word,  and  has  been  blest  of  God  in  garnering  many  sheaves 
for  the  sky. 

M.  D.  L.  Preslar. 
Elder  'M.  D.  L.  Preslar  was  born  October  9,   1872,  in 
Buford  township,  four  miles  south  of  Monroe,  N.  C.     In 


340 


History  op  the  Brown  Creek 


REV.  M.  D.  L.  PRESLAR. 


boyhood  he  attended  the  piibHc  schools  of  the  community 
and  worked  on  the  farm.  He  came  to  know  the  Lord  as 
his  personal  Savior  August  28,  1888.  The  change  took 
place  during  a  series  of  meetings  held  with  Macedonia 
Church  by  J.  A.  Bivens,  assisted  by  D.  M.  Austin.      On 


Union  Baptist  Association.  341 

August  30th,  which  was  the  last  day  of  the  meeting,  the 
.church  met  on  Richardson  Creek,  just  south  of  Monroe,  to 
witness  the  baptism  of  those  who  had  joined  during  the 
meeting.  Through  the  special  effort  of  Elder  J.  A.  Bivens 
he  there  presented  himself  as  a  candidate  for  baptism.  He 
was  received  and  baptized  a  few  minutes  later  by  D.  M. 
Austin. 

On  September  2,  1899,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church.  After  receiving  calls  to  become  pastor  of 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Macedonia  and  Mountain  Springs  churches 
his  church  called  for  his  ordination.  As  a  result  he  was 
examined  by  a  presbytery  consisting  of  Elders  D.  A.  Sni- 
der, A.  Marsh  and  T.  P.  Little,  and  set  apart  to  the  full 
work  of  the  ministry  March  30,  1902.  In  September,  1902, 
he  resigned  all  his  work  and  spent  a  year  in  the  Southern 
Baptist  Theological  Seminary  at  Louisville,  Ky. 

On  November  26,  1903,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Effie 
Broom.  To  this  union  seven  children  have  been  born. 
Gladys,  the  oldest  girl,  died  when  one  year  and  two  weeks 
old.  All  together,  he  has  served  sixteen  churches,  all  in 
the  Union  Association.  They  are  Antioch,  Benton's  Cross 
Roads,  Bethel,  Ebenezer,  Hopewell,  Mill  Creek,  Mt.  Olive, 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Mountain  Springs,  Olive  Branch,  Roanoke, 
Sandy  Ridge,  Sardis,  Shiloh  and  Union.  He  is  now  on 
his  third  pastorate  with  some  of  these  churches. 


-o- 


Rev.  J.  Collie  Meigs. 

Rev.  J.  Collie  Meigs  was  born  in  Union  County,  N,  C, 
on  December  2,  1889,     During  revival  meetings  at  Bethel 


342 


History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


REV.  J.   C.  MEIGS. 


Church,  in  August,  1907,  he  gave  his  heart  to  God,  and 
was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  that  church  by  the  pas- 
tor, Rev.  AL  D.  L.  Preslar.  Later  he  felt  impressed  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  enter  the  ministry.  On  Thanksgiving  day, 
1916,  he  preached  his  first  sermon.    On  September  30,  1917, 


Union  Baptist  Association.  343 

a  presbytery  composed  of  the  following  named  brethren 
set  him  apart  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry:  Rev. 
J.  A.  Bivens,  Moderator;  Rev.  AI.  D.  L.  Preslar,  Clerk; 
Rev.  E.  C.  Snider,  Rev.  C.  J.  Black  and  Rev.  A.  Marsh. 

In  the  fall  of  1917  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
Bethel,  his  home  church,  and  to  ^lineral  Springs,  in  the 
Anson  Association.  These  two,  together  with  King  Street, 
Waxhaw,  Fairfield  and  Roanoke  churches,  in  the  Union 
Association,  and  Brown  Creek  and  Cedar  Grove  churches, 
in  the  Anson  Association,  compose  his  present  field. 

Brother  Meigs  is  a  young  man  of  splendid  ability,  and 
is  in  the  High  School  at  AA^ingate  for  further  preparation. 
We  commend  him  to  the  confidenctj'  and  co-operation  of  the 
brotherhood. 


Rev.  Reece  'M.  Hagler. 

Rev.  Reece  ^1.  tiagler  was  born  in  Union  County,  N. 
C,  May  24,  1885.  Ble  was  reared  in  Mecklenburg  County, 
near  Arlington  and  Clear  Creek  churches.  He  was  con- 
verted in  a  meeting  at  Arlington  Baptist  Church  when  he 
was  thirteen  years  old.  He  joined  the  church  and  was 
baptized  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  by  the  pastor.  Rev. 
C.  J.  Black.  He  was  very  much  interested  in  religion,  and 
before  many  years  began  to  show  that  he  was  elected  to 
preach  the  gospel.  The  church,  feeling  that  it  was  time  for 
him  to  have  some  recognition,  licensed  him,  and  in  1894 
had  a  presbytery  called  to  set  him  apart  to  the  full  work  of 
the  gospel  ministry.  The  presbytery  was  composed  of  Dr. 
E.  E.  Bomar.  Revs.  L.  R.  Pruette,  J.  L.  Bennette,  W.  A. 
Hough,  Julius  Pruette  and  J-  C.  Gillispie. 


344 


History  of  the  Brown  Creek 


REV.   R.   M.   HAGLER. 


He  attended  school  at  Bain  Academy  and  Wingate  High 
School.  He  made  good  use  of  his  time,  and  has  studied 
considerably  since  leaving  school.  He  is  well  prepared  for 
his  work^  though  he  has  never  attended  college.  He  has 
good  common  sense,  and  can  use  what  education  he  has 
to  a  good  advantage. 


'  Union  Baptist  Association.  345 

He  has  served  the  following  churches :  Chaney's  Hill, 
Stanly  Association ;  Wilson's  Grove  and  Newells,  in  the 
Mecklenburg  and  Cabarrus ;  Roanoke,  Sardis,  Deep  Springs, 
Antioch,  Mount  Pleasant  and  ■Mount  Zion,  in  the  Union 
Association.  He  is  now  pastor  of  Philadelphia,  \\>st 
Monroe,  Corinth,  Oak  Grove,  Philadelphia,  Mount  Pis- 
gah  and  Liberty  Hill  churches.  He  has  made  good  in  all 
of  his  pastoral  work,  and  no  young  pastor  is  more  loved 
than  he.     We  predict  for  him  a  great  and  useful  future. 


Rev.  J.  A.  Hill. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Hill  was  born  in  Newberry  County,  S.  C, 
February  22,  1819,  and  died  February  16,  1892,  age  72 
years,  11  months  and  24  days.  He  had  been  in  the  minis- 
try of  the  Baptist  denomination  for  about  forty-five  years. 
He  moved  from  his  native  State  to  the  State  of  Alabama 
in  about  the  year  1859  or  1860.  There  he  served  in  the 
Legislature  during  the  late  war.  In  the  year  1879  or  1880 
he  moved  to  Texas,  where  he  lived  for  eight  years  ;  in  1888 
he  came  to  North  Carolina  and  united  with  the  Waxhaw 
Church;  in  1890  he  joined  the  Hermon  Baptist  Church, 
of  which  he  remained  a  member  up  to  his  death.  He  was 
a  man  of  great  intellectual  power.  He  had  several  pas- 
torates in  South  Carolina,  some  in  Alabama  and  Texas. 
He  served  the  Waxhaw  and  Hermon  churches  in  this  As- 
sociation. He  was  a  man  of  indomitable  will  power ;  he 
had  opinions  of  his  own,  and  dared  to  defend  them.  His 
style  was  more  on  the  military  order  than  that  of  most 
men.     He  was  a  good,  practical  preacher,  and  faithful  as 


346  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

a  pastor,  exemplary  in  his  life,  and  just  in  his  dealings 
with  his  fellow  men.  We  commend  his  widow  and  chil- 
dren to  the  care  of  that  God  whom  he  served,  and  in  the 
faith  of  whom  he  died. 


Franklin  Bunyan  Ashcraft. 

Born  October  22,  1850;    died  February  21,  1919. 

These  are  the  boundaries  of  the  life  of  Franklin  Bun- 
yan Ashcraft,  who  for  twenty  years,  immediately  prior  to 
his  death,  was  treasurer  of  the  Union  Baptist  Association. 

Flis  father  was  the  late  Alfred  Ashcraft  and  his  mother 
was  Xancy  Griffin  Ashcraft.  He  w^s  born  at  the  Ashcraft 
old  homestead  near  Lanes"  Creek,  four  miles  south  of 
]\Iarshville.  He  was  the  youngest-  of  his  father's  family, 
and  for  several  years  was  its  only  survivor.  His  parents 
died  early  in  the  year  1869,  and  he  went  to  the  home  of 
his  brother,  the  late  ^laj.  J.  B.  Ashcraft,  to  live. 

Air.  Ashcraft  was  educated  in  the  local  schools  and  at 
old  Trinity  College.  He  taught  in  the  schools  of  the  county 
for  some  time,  and  in  1880  he  went  to  Monroe  and  lived 
there  from  that  time  until  his  death,  engaging  first  as  a 
salesman  and  later  going  into  the  general  mercantile  busi- 
ness for  himself,  in  which  business  he  continued  until  his 
death. 

Air.  Ashcraft  married  Aliss  Annie  L.  Bickett,  daughter 
of  the  late  Dr.  T.  W.  Bickett,  May  9,  1889.  She  and  two 
sons,  F.  B.  Ashcraft,  Jr.,  and  Covington  Ashcraft,  a  daugh- 
ter. Annie  Alay  Ashcraft,  survive. 

Air.  Ashcraft  joined  Bethel  Baptist  Church,  in  Alarsh- 
ville  township,  when  he  was   a  young'  man,  and  he  later 


U>:iox  Baptist  Association. 


347 


F.  B.  ASHCRAFT, 

Treasurer  of  Association  for  twenty  years. 


moved  his  membership  to  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Mon- 
roe, where  he  did  long  and  faithful  service.  He  was  for 
many  years  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Deacons,  was  Church 
Treasurer  and  for  thirty  years  Superintendent  of  the  Sun- 


348  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

day  School.  He  was  ever  the  pastor's  friend  and  helper. 
He  was  progressive — intelligently  so;  liberal — whole- 
heartedly so. 

The  writer  feels  that  another  hand  than  his  should 
write  of  the  character  of  F.  B.  Ashcraft.  The  relation- 
ship, the  long  years  of  close  friendship,  the  love  toward 
his  kinsman,  now  dead,  might  make  him  fulsome  in  praise 
of  the  nobility  of  soul,  the  true  grandeur  of  the  character 
of  him  of  whom  he  writes.  But  who  knows  better  the 
character  of  F.  B.  Ashcraft  except  those  of  his  own  family 
circle  than  does  he  who  writes,  this  sketch? 

Let  it  be  said  of  Frank  B.  Ashcraft — for  it  is  but  the 
truth — that  about  him  there  was  a  nobility  of  character 
which  commanded  the  respect  of  all,  and,  combined  with 
that,  was  a  tenderness  and  a  gentleness  that  made  even 
little  children  love  him. 

In  all  his  varied  dealings  with  his  fellow  men  his  life 
was  in  keeping  with  that  great  injunction  given  by  the 
Savior  of  men :  "As  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you, 
do  ye  also  to  them." 

The  record  of  this  man,  as  he  went  quietly  and  unos- 
tentatiously about  his  tasks,  whether  in  business  or  reli- 
gious life,  is  a  golden  legacy  to  his  family  and  friends. 
The  community  in  which  he  lived  esteemed  him  for  his 
sterling  citizenship,  his  family  and  close  friends  loved  him 
for  his  gentleness  of  spirit  and  devotion  to  them,  the  poor 
and  the  needv  blessed  him  for  his  kindly  and  helpful  deeds. 
For  all  time  the  influence  of  this  good  man  will  be  felt. 
Character  survives,  goodness  lives,  love  is  immortal. 

To  the  writer  Frank  B.  Ashcraft  was  an  older  brother. 
As  long  as  life  lasts  we   shall  miss,  and  that  sorely,   his 


Union  Baptist  Association.  349 

gentle  presence,  his  ever  responsive  personality  and  his 
splendid  companionship,  for  he  always  looked  for  the  best 
in  others,  and  he  gave  to  them  the  best  he  had. 

Upon  your  grave,  beloved  kinsman  and  splendid  friend, 
we  lay  this  poor  flower.  Your  life  has  been  an  inspiration,, 
your  memory  is  a  benediction.  B.   C.   Ashcraft. 


Rev.  C.  J.  Black. 

Rev.  Chas.  J.  Black  was  born  May  9,  1872.  His  par- 
ents were  James  C.  and  Mrs.  Harriett  Hutchison  Black  of 
Mecklenburg  County.  He  was  converted  at  the  age  of 
eighteen,  and  joined  Independence  Hill  Baptist  Church, 
and  was  baptized  by  Elder  J.  A.  Hoyle  on  Saturday  before 
the  fourth  Sunday  in  July,  1890.  On  June  24,  1894,  he 
was  licensed  by  his  church  to  preach,  and  on  the  third  Sun- 
day in  June,  1896,  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  The  presbytery  was  composed  of  Rev. 
L.  R.  Pruette,  Rev.  J.  R.  Hankins  and  the  deacons  of  In- 
dependence Hill  Baptist  Church.  His  first  pastorate  was 
at  Arlington  Church,  in  Mecklenburg  County;  the  sec- 
ond one  to  which  he  was  called  was  Howells  Church,  in 
Cabarrus  County.  He  remained  pastor  of  these  churches 
for  a  number  of  years.  Since  then  he  has  been  pastor  of 
the  following  named  churches :  Big  Lick,  Locust,  Phila- 
delphia, Barbees  Grove,  Silver  Springs,  Cottonville,  Ken- 
dalls, Pleasant  Grove,  Canton,  Union  Grove,  Porters,  Nor- 
wood, West  Albemarle,  Corinth,  New  London,  Chaney's 
Hill,  in  the  Stanly  Association ;  Clear  Creek  and  Arling- 
ton,  in   the   ]\Iecklenburg   and   Cabarrus   Association,    and 


350  History  of  the  Brown  Creek 

Rocky  River,  Rocky  Mount,  Cedar  Grove,  Polkton,  Peach- 
land,  in  the  Anson  Association,  and  Alacedonia,  Meadow 
Branch,  Marshville,  Union  Grove  and  Austin's  Grove,  in 
the  Union  Association.  During  these  twenty-five  years  of 
faithful  service  in  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  Brother  Black 
has  not  only  been  pastor  of  from  five  to  eight  churches, 
but  has  held  over  three  hundred  revival  meetings  in  dif- 
ferent states  and  in  many  of  the  ledaing  towns  and  cities. 
He  possesses  great  gifts  as  an  evangelist.  Brother  Black 
pays  his  respects  to  old  Uncle  William  Martin  of  Martin 
Dale,  one  of  his  public  school  teachers,  who  had  a  great 
deal  to  do  with  his  character  and  general  disposition.  His 
educational  advantages  have  been  excellent,  having  at- 
tended Huntersville  High  School,  under  Prof.  Hugh  A. 
Gray.  From  high  school  he  went  to  Erskine  College.  At 
that  place  he  took  some  seminary  w^ork  in  addition  to  the 
college  course,  also  special  instruction  under  Dr.  John  A. 
Broadus.  At  an  early  age  he  began  teaching  in  the  public 
schools  of  North  Carolina,  and  for  a  number  of  years  was 
Principal  of  the  High  School  at  Big  Lick.  Although  bus- 
ily engaged  teaching  and  preaching  he 'was  elected  County 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  of  Stanly  County, 
and  served  in  that  capacity  for  two  years.  On  January 
16,  1895,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Annie  Black  of  Mecklen- 
burg County.  To  this  union  eight  children  have  been  born, 
five  girls  and  three  boys.  May  24,  1918,  Spurgeon,  the 
oldest  son,  graduated  at  Wake  Forest,  and  on  May  11th 
was  called  into  the  service  of  the  National  Army,  and  is 
now  with  the  A.  E.  F.  in  France.  3.1iss  Ruth  Black,  the 
oldest  daughter,  graduated  at  Oxford  College  in  June 
of  1919.    C.  J.  Black  is  an  ardent  student,  and  has  collected 


Union  Baptist  Association. 


351 


REV.   C.  J.  BLACK. 


one  of  the  best  libraries  in  the  country.  He  has  made  a 
special  study  of  the  Baptist  doctrine,  and  has  gotten  to- 
gether a  great  deal  of  literature  on  the  different  phases  of 
the  Baptist  faith.  Also,  has  spent  a  great  deal  of  time  in 
the   study   of   the   history    of   Roman    Catholicism,    and    is 


352  Union  Baptist  Association. 

well  informed  on  the  subject.  Brother  Black  is  a  staunch 
friend  to  the  Baptist  denomination,  and  numbers  his  friends 
by  the  thousands.  He  has  recently  been  called  to  the  Bap- 
tist Church  at  Norwood,  and  to  some  of  the  same  work 
that  he  occupied  for  about  sixteen  years.  This  Baptist 
preacher  is  in  the  prime  of  his  life,  and  the  probability  is 
that  the  most  useful  years  of  his  life  are  yet  in  the  future. 

THE    END. 


